Skagit-Island HUMAN SERVICES TRANSPORTATION PLAN Prepared for the Skagit-Island Regional Transportation Planning Organization • November 2014
Prepared by Transpo Group 11730 118th Avenue NE, Suite 600, Kirkland, WA 98034-7120 425.821.3665 | www.transpogroup.com Skagit-Island Human Services Transportation Plan | Transpo Group | 2
High Needs Areas ...... 23 1. Introduction ...... 4 Unmet Needs ...... 24
2. Project Methodology ...... 5 6. Emergency Management ...... 27 3. Existing Transportation Services ...... 6 Skagit Transit ...... 27
Public Transit Providers ...... 6 Island Transit ...... 27
Human Services Transportation Providers ...... 8 7. Technology ...... 28 Long-Distance Transportation Providers ...... 9 Skagit Transit ...... 28
4. Public Engagement ...... 10 Island Transit ...... 29
Skagit-Island Special Needs Transportation Committee . 10 8. Strategies and Activities ...... 30 Committee Meetings ...... 12 Identified Strategies and Activities ...... 30 Special Needs Survey ...... 13 Prioritization of Strategies ...... 31 Listening Sessions ...... 15 Coordination and Implementation ...... 32 Ride-Alongs ...... 16
Reference Plans ...... 16 9. WSDOT Consolidated Grant Program ...... 33
Program Goals ...... 33 5. Needs Assessment ...... 18 Eligible Projects ...... 33 Common Origins and Destinations ...... 18 Project Ranking ...... 35 Public Engagement Findings ...... 19
Special Needs Populations ...... 21 Appendix A-F
Demographic Profile ...... 23 TABLE OF CONTENTS OF TABLE Skagit-Island Human Services Transportation Plan | Transpo Group | 3
Figure 1: Group Homes, Senior Centers and Shopping
Facilities Paratransit Destinations ...... 18
Figure 2: Medical Facilities, Religious Facilities and Other
Frequent Paratransit Destinations ...... 19
Figure 3: I need transportation because: ...... 20
Figure 4: I need transportation to: ...... 20
Figure 5: On a scale of 1 to 5 (low to high), rank how current transportation options are meeting your needs: ...... 20
Figure 6: Why don’t the existing transportation options meet your needs? (Select all that apply): ...... 20
Figure 7: I need to go to (top three destinations): ...... 21
Figure 8: Skagit and Island County Demographic Data ...... 23
Figure 9: Human Services Transportation Need Index (Census Tract in Top 25%) ...... 25
Figure 10: Prioritized Strategies and Weights ...... 32
TABLE OF FIGURES OF TABLE Skagit-Island Human Services Transportation Plan | Transpo Group | 4
1. Introduction
Across the Skagit-Island region people with special barriers between transportation providers. Since (RTPO) to oversee and guide the plan; however the needs, including seniors, people with a low-income, then, federal surface transportation programs passed RTPO Board maintained oversight and final approval and people with disabilities, face daily transportation in 2005 and 2012 have required that regions develop of the plan. challenges. These challenges make it more difficult to a, “unified, comprehensive strategy for public The major components of the plan are summarized in run errands, access services, get to and from work, or transportation service delivery that identifies the Section 2. visit family and friends. transportation needs of individuals with disabilities, older adults, and individuals with limited income, This plan, called the Skagit-Island Human Services laying out strategies for meeting these, and Transportation Plan (HSTP), was developed by prioritizing services.”1 This is the third HSTP to be engaging special needs populations in conversations developed for Skagit and Island counties, with about their needs, documenting existing services, updates occurring on a four-year cycle. identifying needs and highlighting service gaps. Based on this information, this plan then defines regional The Federal Transit Administration, as well as priorities and recommends projects for state and Washington state, fund special needs transportation federal grant funding. services including capital investments, operating
support, mobility management and planning grants. Addressing both federal and state HSTP requirements, In Washington state, these funds are combined and this plan was developed using best practices distributed by the Washington State Department of identified in the statewide HSTP. This includes Transportation (WSDOT) consolidated grant program “listening sessions” at events and other locations with on a biennial basis. concentrated special needs populations, identification of special needs populations through census data, and To be eligible for WSDOT consolidated grant funding, prioritization of projects using an objective and projects must address the needs and gaps identified transparent methodology. in the regional HSTP and must be included on the regional HSTP project list. This plan does both, with Washington state has been a national leader on the regional priority list available in Appendix F. human services transportation planning. In 1998, the Agency Council on Coordinated Transportation (ACCT) This planning work, which occurred between June and was created by the state legislature with a mission to November 2014, was funded through a WSDOT direct and promote activities that efficiently use all planning grant and managed by staff from the Skagit Footnotes: available state and community resources for special Council of Governments (SCOG). A special needs 1 Federal Register: March 15, 2006 (Volume 71, needs transportation, including improved transportation committee was created by the Skagit- Number 50, page 13458) coordination and elimination of cross-jurisdictional Island Regional Transportation Planning Organization Skagit-Island Human Services Transportation Plan | Transpo Group | 5
2. Project Methodology
The following sections summarize the steps taken to Out and About: Persons with Disabilities needs populations. Several action items were support each of the key project findings. Skagit Project Homeless Connect recommended. Oak Harbor Senior Center Documentation of Existing Services Stanwood-Camano Persons with Disabilities Technology This work involved documentation of the range of Skagit County Buddy Walk The use of technology by transportation providers public transportation services currently provided in was reviewed, particularly with relation to how Skagit and Island counties. These services include To complement the listening sessions, a survey technology can improve communication between fixed-route transit service, dial-a-ride paratransit (printed and online) of special needs users was transportation providers and customers. This was a services, vanpool services and pocket services. It also developed to collect information on how their recurring trend, especially among paratransit riders. includes transportation services provided or transportation needs are currently being met. A total sponsored by other social service agencies, as well as of 143 surveys were collected. Additionally, in-person Identification of Strategies and Activities Medicaid brokerage and long-distance transportation user surveys were collected on Skagit Transit A set of strategies and activities were developed from services. paratransit vehicles, capturing feedback from a total public engagement and the needs analysis. These of 38 paratransit users. were based on strategies identified in the statewide Public Engagement HSTP, however adapted and expanded to better Needs Analysis This plan used a variety of methods to engage and address the local context. Strategies capture the high- communicate with the public. A special needs A “needs analysis” was conducted to develop a level priorities, while the activities identify specific transportation committee was formed, made up of a clearer understanding of the challenges faced by actions that can be taken to deliver on each strategy. diverse set of stakeholders, from human services special needs populations. In addition to using public The finalized strategies were prioritized by the Skagit- providers and transportation providers to tribes and engagement findings, data was collected to identify Island RTPO and then used to rank regional projects social services organizations. This committee needs. In order to identify the most common for WSDOT consolidated grant funding. informed and guided the process and helped to locations traveled to by special needs populations, engage their customers and the general public. the project team reviewed information on common WSDOT Consolidated Grant Program origins and destinations. Population demographics This section is intended to be a resource for grant To directly engage special needs users, “listening data from the US Census Bureau were also evaluated applicants and provides information on the WSDOT sessions” were conducted at existing community to identify the highest needs areas within Skagit and consolidated grant program, including a summary of events, where the project team could engage the Island counties. the types of projects eligible for grant funding and the appropriate people in conversation. A total of 210 application process. individuals were engaged at the follow listening Emergency Management sessions: The Skagit and Island county emergency management Skagit Senior Day in the Park plans were reviewed to ensure they addressed special Skagit-Island Human Services Transportation Plan | Transpo Group | 6
3. Existing Transportation Services
nearest bus stop or use fixed-route bus service. routes or access nearby services. Public Transit Providers Paratransit service is provided within 3/4 mile of fixed This service operates Monday through Friday from 8 Skagit Transit -route transit service with a span of service matching am to 5 pm and riders are required to register to use Skagit Transit operates the fixed-route service. Those wishing to use the the service. Skagit Transit takes specific trip requests transit service within Skagit County including fixed- service must fill out an application to determine if although its ability to meet the requests are not route (local and express county connector), they are eligible for the service. Trips must be pre- guaranteed. paratransit, pocket and vanpool service. Weekday scheduled. service is provided on all routes, with reduced service Vanpool Program In 2013, Skagit Transit provided 55,200 paratransit on Saturdays and Sundays. Standard bus fares are The vanpool program is an affordable, convenient and trips, operated 25,000 annual revenue service hours $1.00, with youth and reduced fares of $0.50. comfortable way for employees to travel to work. The and logged 280,000 annual vehicle revenue miles. program is intended for groups of five to fifteen Fixed-Route and Express Service people who commute more than 20 miles each Pocket Service Fixed-route service is provided on weekdays between direction. This program works particularly well for Skagit Transit provides pocket service to rural approximately 6 am and 9 pm, and on Saturdays and employees on a fixed work schedule. communities not served by fixed-route service. This Sundays between approximately 8 am and 6 pm. On service, which is available on a specific day(s) of the In 2013, there were 127,000 vanpool trips. Vans are weekdays, service in urban areas comes generally week, connects riders in rural communities to nearby not ADA accessible. Vans are leased on a month-to- every 30 minutes, with service in rural areas coming transit centers where riders can transfer to other month basis with Skagit Transit covering insurance for generally every hour. the drivers, riders, and vans, as well as maintenance Both local bus service as well as express commuter Island Transit Vanpool and operations costs. service is provided, with all buses on those routes ADA accessible. In 2013, local bus service carried Island Transit approximately 645,000 passengers and express Island Transit operates commuter service carried 110,000. fixed-route (local and express county connector), route deviation, In 2013 Skagit Transit operated 48,000 annual paratransit, and vanpool service throughout Whidbey revenue service hours and logged 731,000 annual and Camano Island. Connection to and from the vehicle revenue miles. Washington State Ferries are provided, however no Paratransit Service weekend service is currently provided. Skagit Transit also provides specialized paratransit Island Transit has operated as a fare free system for service for passengers who are unable to get to the Skagit-Island Human Services Transportation Plan | Transpo Group | 7
Service operates between approximately 5 am and 8 Vanpool vehicles are not ADA accessible. Due to financial difficulties Island Transit was pm on weekdays. Route deviation service follows a forced to reduce transit service starting on regular fixed-route, but provides improved access to Whatcom Transportation Authority September 1st, 2014. The service reductions destinations like neighborhoods and businesses upon Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) operates included: request. Express commuter service is also provided to fixed-route, paratransit and vanpool services in the Clinton Ferry. Currently no weekend service is Elimination of weekend service Whatcom County. County connector service from provided. Suspension of Route 5 and Route 9 Mount Vernon connects to local services at Lincoln Creek Park-and-Ride and Bellingham Station. Conversion of Route 8 to a commuter All buses are fully ADA accessible. In 2013, Island route Transit provided 1,090,600 trips, operated 59,000 Shuttle service to Western Washington University is Service every other hour on Route 6. annual revenue service hours and logged 1,755,000 available from Lincoln Creek Park-and-Ride and Service every hour on Route 10 annual vehicle revenue miles. transfers to frequent Go-Line routes, as well as much of the WTA network, is possible at Bellingham Station. Paratransit Service Island Transit provides curb-to-curb paratransit Community Transit over 25 years. The reason for this is two-fold. First, service for ADA eligible persons with a disability who fare free systems have been shown to increase transit Community Transit operates fixed-route and are unable to use the regular fixed-route bus service, ridership by reducing the barrier of use, especially for paratransit services within Snohomish County in due to their disability. those with limited income. addition to commuter and vanpool service in and Paratransit service is based upon the same days, between Snohomish and King counties. Skagit Transit Second, national research and industry experience hours, and route structure, as the regular fixed-route and Island Transit provide connecting service to local has shown that charging fares for small or rural service and extends 3/4ths of a mile on either side of and express commuter service at Stanwood Station. transit systems produces limited operating revenue the fixed-route service. Service beyond this area is Island Transit Bus because the costs to collect and administer a fare provided on a space-available basis. program are significant compared to the revenue generated. Therefore, charging a fare reduces In 2013, Island Transit provided 64,100 paratransit ridership while creating little additional revenue for trips, operated 30,000 annual service hours and operating the system. logged 391,000 annual vehicle revenue miles.
Fixed-Route, Route Deviation and Express Vanpool Program Service Island Transit provides additional service through Island Transit currently operates 13 routes serving their vanpool program. The fees collected cover Clinton, Langley, Oak Harbor, Coupeville, Fort Casey, operating costs including fuel, maintenance, Terry’s Corner, Windermere and Shuksan. Regional insurance and the capital cost of the vans. connections to Stanwood and Mount Vernon are also Vanpools are eligible for discounts on Washington provided. State Ferry services as well as preferential loading. Skagit-Island Human Services Transportation Plan | Transpo Group | 8
Seniors Medical Human Services Transportation Providers Camano Center Disabled American Veterans Camano Center provides by-appointment The Disabled American Veterans group provides A variety of programs offer transportation services in transportation services for seniors to Skagit County transportation services to the Veterans addition to services provided by Skagit Transit and for medical appointments, social and health services. Administration hospital in Seattle five days a week. Island Transit. Many of these service providers focus Prescription pick-up and delivery, meals on wheels Service is provided from Oak Harbor, Mount Vernon on the needs of seniors and persons with disabilities. and grocery deliveries are also provided. and points south and is operated by volunteers. Very few are solely transportation providers, with most offering transportation services in conjunction Island County Medical Transportation & Northwest Regional Council with other social service or volunteer programs. Volunteers Services The Northwest Regional Council (NWRC) provides These providers range from for-profit companies to Volunteers provides transportation for medical or Medical Assistance Administration Transportation, non-profit organizations and state government other essential needs in addition to grocery trips and which consists of non-ambulance transportation, to agencies. household up-keep assistance. all people eligible for Medicaid who have no other means of transportation to covered medical services Some programs directly provide transportation while Senior Services of Island County as well as meals on wheels program. others sponsor transportation by contracting with, or This group provides meals on wheels to seniors and buying passes/tickets for, other providers. Those that The NWRC serves as the broker for these services, contracts with the Northwest Regional Council to provide transportation utilize paid drivers, agency authorizing and arranging transportation for people in provide Medicaid trips for seniors. staff and/or program volunteers to transport Island, San Juan, Skagit and Whatcom counties. On passengers. Island Transit Paratransit Customer average, the NWRC contracts 180,000 annual trips. The private brokers used for Medicaid include: Human services transportation providers depend on a variety of funding sources including those dedicated Beck & Call Concierge Services to senior services, individuals with disabilities or Care E Me, Inc. family support programs. Some funding programs are Cascade Ambulance narrow in scope and limit the population to which City/Yellow Cap they offer rides to and/or the number or trip purposes City Paratransit they can fulfill. Birch Bay Taxi (red cab) Mercy Transportation The following provides a summary of the major Safe Transportation human service transportation providers in Skagit and Sound Cabulance Island counties, organized by the clientele they serve. Western Van Services Skagit-Island Human Services Transportation Plan | Transpo Group | 9
Other Stillaguamish Tribal Transit Service Amtrak Cascades The Stillaguamish Department of Transportation Community Action of Skagit County Amtrak Cascades stops in Mount Vernon twice daily provides transportation services, which includes in route from Seattle to Vancouver BC, as well from Community Action of Skagit County provides rides demand responsive service as well as vanpool Vancouver BC to Seattle. through the Senior & Disabled Volunteer Services services. This service is offered by the Stillaguamish Program in addition to providing transit passes and Tribe of Indians to native and non-native individuals Amtrak also runs an afternoon bus between gas vouchers to clients receiving services through the who need to travel to native businesses and facilities Bellingham and Seattle with a stop in Mount Vernon. East County Resources Center, Housing and Essential or other facilities in the northern Snohomish County Amtrak Cascades service is ADA compatible but Needs Program, Housing, Critical Needs, Jail area. Service is provided weekdays between 5:30 am requires attendant notification. Transition and WorkFirst programs. In partnership and 4:30 pm. with Skagit Transit, increased distribution of free bus Greyhound passes is planned to begin in January 2015. State of Washington Department of Social Greyhound service is available at Skagit Station in Mount Vernon, with morning and afternoon service Goodwill and Health Services (DSHS) DSHS sometimes provides assistance with acquiring to Bellingham, Seattle or elsewhere along the Goodwill provides free Skagit Transit bus tickets for bus passes or gas vouchers for individuals on Greyhound route. clients. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. There is no Greyhound service in any of the other Northwest Educational Services District cities in Skagit or Island counties with the nearest Bolt (NWESD) #189 Long-Distance Transportation Bus stop (another service of Greyhound) in Bellingham. NWESD #189 provides rides to students ages 3-21 as Providers part of their individualized educational program Airport Shuttle Service during the school year. The NWESD is able to provide Washington State Ferries Shuttle service to Seattle-Tacoma International transportation services beyond students, however no The Washington State Ferries operates daily service in Airport and Bellingham International Airport is additional service is currently provided. Skagit County from the terminal at Anacortes to the provided by the Whidbey SeaTac Shuttle. Bellair San Juan Islands and Vancouver Island, with North Sound 2-1-1 Airporter Shuttle provides service to SeaTac Airport. connecting Skagit Transit service. North Sound 2-1-1, operated by Volunteers of America, is a one-stop information portal for special Ferry service in Island County operates from Clinton needs populations. North Sound 2-1-1 works with to Mukilteo and Coupeville to Port Townsend, which callers to identify which transportation services they is also served by transit at each ferry terminal. Transit are eligible for and connects them to those providers. service to and from the Clinton-Mukilteo ferry is a key This service is provided within Skagit and Island component of the transportation system as vehicular counties, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. travel demand on that route exceeds capacity during the peak periods. Skagit-Island Human Services Transportation Plan | Transpo Group | 10
4. Public Engagement
Development of a comprehensive and inclusive Transportation Committee. I live alone, clear up near Timber human services transportation plan requires Additionally, health and human services providers, extensive and varied public engagement. This plan Lake at Hwy 20, a mile from the nearest who work with special needs populations on a daily utilized a variety of public engagement methods to service, have to get a friend to drive me to basis, were also engaged through the Skagit-Island capture feedback from a diverse set of stakeholders, Special Needs Transportation Committee. the bus stop. I wish there was more service including the spectrum of special needs populations off the scheduled route. such as seniors, people with disabilities and people Project resources including project documents, “ with low-income. meeting agendas and minutes were shared online - Senior using the SCOG website. To engage these special needs populations in the most efficient manner possible, the project team A public call for projects was issued on September 29, [I would like] dial-a-ride identified existing meetings and events where these 2014 through public notices in local newspapers, a [service] that you can take out of town groups would already be present. notice on SCOG’s website and an email to a special needs distribution list. (La Conner, Mt. Vernon) By bringing the planning process directly to them, the
- Samish Tribal member plan’s public engagement was very successful and The subsections below provide additional detail on resulted in approximately 210 unique individual the ad-hoc advisory committee, survey, listening engagements. A survey of human services sessions and reference plans.
transportation was also developed and distributed, I use Skagit Transit. capturing 143 individuals via survey responses. Skagit-Island Special Needs It meets all my needs. This approach to public outreach was also mindful of Transportation Committee - Homeless man geographic diversity of input from people throughout “ the study area as well as the needs of Indian tribes. In preparation for the HSTP, the Skagit-Island Regional Transportation Organization Policy Board approved Listening sessions were held throughout both the creation of the Skagit-Island Special Needs No evening service makes night counties, and a similar planning effort by the Samish Transportation Committee. event impossible since they can get Tribe was engaged and integrated with this plan. Transportation providers, including Island Transit and This advisory committee was structured to include dropped off but not picked up from events. Skagit Transit, non-profit transportation providers, representatives from organizations representing - Senior services provider and private transportation providers, were also major employers, education/youth, Medicaid/ engaged through creation of an ad-hoc advisory healthcare providers, transit agencies, tribes, committee, called the Skagit-Island Special Needs veterans, people with disabilities, people with low- Skagit-Island Human Services Transportation Plan | Transpo Group | 11
Skagit County Buddy Walk Skagit-Island Human Services Transportation Plan | Transpo Group | 12
income and seniors. A total of five monthly meetings Other Organizations Invited to Participate While many of the organizations did not provide were held throughout the plan’s development. transportation services directly, many had input on American Cancer Society the state of existing services and specific needs of Boy and Girls Clubs of Skagit County The committee provided guidance and valuable people they come in contact with on a regular basis. insight into the needs of the region in addition to Catholic Community Services contributing a wealth of institutional and historical Chinook Enterprises A few of the contacts to this list of organizations knowledge about Skagit and Island counties. For Community Transportation Association of the yielded what became two listening sessions with example, committee members were vital in the Northwest persons with disabilities, one with a Skagit County identification of listening session opportunities to Community Transit focus and the other with a Camano-Stanwood focus. connect directly with special needs populations. Compass Health Developmental Disabilities of Island County Committee Meetings The organizations which were involved or invited to Developmental Disabilities Program, Skagit participate are listed below. County A total of five committee meetings were held Goodwill between July and November 2014. SCOG and Skagit-Island Special Needs Transportation Housing Authority of Skagit County consultant staff presented progress updates on the Committee Members plan, involved and educated the committee on HSTP North Sound Mental Health planning, gathered guidance and engaged the Disabled American Veterans, Naval Air Station Samish Tribe committee on prioritization activities. Whidbey Island Sauk-Suiattle Tribe Opportunity Council of Island County Senior Services of Island County SCOG and WSDOT staff also provided information on Community Action of Skagit County Service Alternatives grant funding opportunities and how they can submit Island Transit Skagit Valley Hospital a project for inclusion on the regional prioritized Skagit Transit Sno-Isle Libraries project list of human services transportation projects. Swinomish Indian Tribal Community Stillaguamish Tribe Camano Center United General Hospital Details of the organizations represented on the Northwest Regional Council Upper Skagit Tribe committee are provided in Appendix A. The appendix Volunteers of America – North Sound 211 Washington State Department of Social and includes details of each agency’s mission, what types Northwest Educational Services District #189 Health Services of services they provide, what they hope to get from Washington State Department of Washington Vocational Services the planning process and details about their vehicle Transportation Whidbey General Hospital fleet and service, if they provide transportation YMCA-YWCA services. A summary of each meeting is provided below with complete meeting summaries also Many of the organizations above provided input that assisted in the needs assessment, and provided a available in Appendix A. [The] drivers are fantastic. comprehensive accounting of human services I’ve never had a bad ride. transportation across the region. “ - Paratransit rider ” Skagit-Island Human Services Transportation Plan | Transpo Group | 13
Meeting #1 it was decided that local priorities would build off Meeting #5 The kickoff meeting began with introductions those developed in the statewide HSTP due to the The final meeting of the committee concluded their including the committee member’s name, the agency completeness of the priorities developed in that plan. involvement with the planning process. The or group they represent, what they do, what committee reviewed the draft HSTP and Meeting #3 transportation services they offer and what they recommended it to the SIRTPO Policy Board. The would like to get out of the HSTP update. The purpose The meeting began with a review of the existing committee also reviewed the prioritized list of of the committee was discussed, which primarily transportation services chapter including an inventory regional human services transportation projects and included guiding the plan’s development and of all transportation providers. The consultant also recommended it to the SIRTPO Policy Board. prioritization of regional human services presented a draft of the needs assessment. This transportation projects for WSDOT consolidated grant included a list of needs such as lack of transit service funding. or span of service. Additionally, a draft of the Special Needs Survey geographic needs assessment was presented to the Maximizing the amount of public engagement and An overview of the planning process, was presented committee. input was a key goal of the HSTP. Identical online and including required elements and best practices with print surveys were developed to capture written details on how the consultant planned to solicit SCOG staff then presented an overview of the WSDOT feedback via multiple channels from special needs robust public engagement and how a “need index” consolidated grant program and led a prioritization populations. based on demographics data would be developed and exercise to finalize the weighting factors for the used in the planning process. WSDOT staff then priorities identified at the last committee meeting. The purpose of the survey was to understand who provided an overview of the consolidated grant needs human services transportation, why they are program as well as the types of projects which are Meeting #4 using the service and how well their needs are being eligible for funding. A presentation of the core HSTP components was met. provided by the consultant. This included The survey results informed the planning process, Meeting #2 presentation of existing transportation services however, the results are not statistically valid. The This meeting began with a review of the information inventory, preliminary public engagement results, the population which took the survey self-selected, and collected thus far including census data and finalized needs assessment, an overview of therefore may not represent the overall special needs committee member data. The consultant presented a emergency management, technology and a draft of population in Skagit and Island counties. draft of the prepared survey and collected feedback the strategies and activities. from the committee including changes to several The committee provided valuable feedback on the questions. The committee also provided feedback on draft strategies and activities including additions and the most efficient ways to distribute the survey and I don't know if I qualify for changes to ensure that the projects eligible for state volunteered to help collect feedback through their funding are included in the HSTP. SCOG staff then led Paratransit but it would be nice. various channels. a discussion to determine what ongoing - Survey response The consultant then led an interactive workshop to implementation and coordination efforts would be “ identify high-level plan priorities. Based on feedback, valuable. ” Skagit-Island Human Services Transportation Plan | Transpo Group | 14
Public Outreach at Skagit County Buddy Walk While Skagit Transit and Island Transit already have usage data, their data is not directly comparable because it only includes information from users, where as this survey was targeted at both users and non-users of existing transportation services.
The survey was based on one developed by People for People for the Yakima HSTP, and adapted based on consultant suggestions and committee feedback. This included replacing open-ended questions with multiple-choice answers to ease completion of the survey.
A travel training question was added at the suggestion of the committee to identify people that may be interested in learning how to use transit. Reponses to these questions, with information identifying those interested, was distributed to the transit agencies so they could follow-up with survey respondents.
The survey was hosted online and distributed to the public via the agencies and groups involved. Survey responses were collected from August 13th to September 30th, 2014 with a total of 143 surveys completed.
Listening Sessions A number of listening sessions, which varied in format from hosted meeting to information booths, were conducted throughout the HSTP development. The goal of these sessions was to capture direct input from a full range of special needs populations. This included seniors, people with disabilities and people with low-income. Skagit-Island Human Services Transportation Plan | Transpo Group | 15
To maximize community feedback, SCOG and staffed a booth throughout the day and made contact consultant staff took these sessions to the public I would use it [the bus] more with approximately 50 individuals. rather than asking the public to attend an open house if it was cheaper. specifically for this plan. A summary of each event is Project Homeless Connect also provided an included below. Complete documentation of - Homeless woman opportunity to reach persons with limited English comments collected at each listening session is “ proficiency. Input from four Spanish speakers was included in Appendix B. responses. In total, an estimated 110 individuals were translated by an event volunteer and was included in engaged. the meeting summary for the event. SCOG staff Skagit Senior Day in the Park ” prepared for this event by reviewing common Spanish Out and About: Persons with Disabilities phrases in case translation services would not be This annual event is a chance for seniors to receive available. health screenings, hear about product promotions, On September 10th, SCOG staff meet with the Out learn about services offered to them in the and About: Persons with Disabilities support group at Oak Harbor Senior Center community and receive a free lunch. Held on August the Burlington Library. Ten of the eleven participants 14th at Maiben Park in Burlington, this event was the were physically or developmentally disabled with the SCOG staff conducted outreach to senior citizens on first listening session attended by SCOG staff. meeting feedback and comments representative of September 5th at the Oak Harbor Senior Center. the transportation challenges they face. Throughout the outreach event a total of 24 seniors SCOG staff presented a list of potential plan priorities provided comments with their comments and asked people to put dots next to their highest The group was well informed about coordinated paraphrased and documented by SCOG staff. priorities. They were also asked to fill out a paper planning within Washington state and discussed Comments were generally related to the paratransit version of the survey. common challenges like getting to and from evening systems, including both things that riders liked but events. The Peer Group Coordinator from the Center also things they did not like. Many participants were not receptive to this for Independence North Sound also provided follow- approach and found it confusing and difficult for a up comments. A major reoccurring theme was how the system is a variety of reasons, including that the language used lifeline for many riders. Multiple comments were also was overly technical and the type used on materials Skagit Project Homeless Connect was too small to easily read. To improve engagement, Project Homeless Connect is an annual event at which SCOG staff switched approaches, spoke directly with people with low-income and those who are homeless seniors about what they liked and disliked, noting We need more cross-county are provided a wide array of health and non-health transit—life goes on beyond Skagit County! human services. This includes medical and dental More service is needed in checkups as well as food, clothing, job training and If you want good quality medical care, you Skagit County. other social services. The event was held on “have to go outside of Skagit County because September 11th at Skagit Valley College. - Homeless man the good doctors in Skagit County aren’t “ Skagit Transit service was free throughout the day to taking any more patients. ” provide participants a free way to get there. SCOG - Senior with disabilities ” Skagit-Island Human Services Transportation Plan | Transpo Group | 16
made about Island Transit’s financial and management issues. Ride-Alongs Multiple “ride-along” surveys were conducted by Stanwood-Camano Persons with Skagit Transit to help identify the successes of Disabilities paratransit service and to gather suggestions for My clients often don’t know A focus group was held on September 16th at the areas that can be improved. Respondents were asked how to ride the bus or they don’t Stanwood-Camano Community Center. SCOG staff open-ended questions about how they access the understand the system... The main reason met with seven people, including representatives of service, what they like about the service, and what clients miss their appointments, including Washington Vocational Services and the Camano/ aspects can be improved. A total of 38 on-board ride- “ along interviews were completed. Ride-along survey medical and opportunities to get free food Stanwood Aktion Club, which serves adults with disabilities. responses are included in Appendix B. and services, is lack of transportation. - Human service provider Many comments were received, including comments on the importance of transit service for people with Reference Plans disabilities to get to jobs, the importance of Review of past HSTP plans and other regional or local connection between transit agencies (Island Transit, plans can provide valuable context and a fresh I use the SKAT bus but I want Skagit Transit and Community Transit) in the perspective on human services transportation. This is
because most plans include public engagement and to use Dial-A-Ride and the questions about Stanwood area and the special needs of people with developmental disabilities. stakeholder guidance on topics that intersect with qualifying are too confusing. human services transportation. Reviewing other
- Disabled senior Skagit County Buddy Walk plans leverages those efforts while also providing a
more complete picture of the historical issues and The Skagit County Buddy Walk is an annual event to how transportation relates to so many aspects of promote acceptance and raise awareness of persons peoples’ lives. Comparison of public feedback from with Down Syndrome. This year it was held on
[I would like] school bus all year “ this plan to past HSTPs helps validate the feedback October 11th with approximately 250 participants. to and from work. Only one of us has a contained in this plan. SCOG staff attended the event, gathered feedback license and she works. So it created some including key travel destinations (work/school, Statewide HSTP difficulties with her at times. shopping, medical and other), agreement or The Washington State Department of Transportation - Samish Tribal member disagreement with previously collected statements on paratransit and dial-a-ride service and written developed its first statewide HSTP in 2013 to guide responses. regional HSTP planning efforts and present a clear vision for the future of special needs transportation across the state.
Skagit-Island Human Services Transportation Plan | Transpo Group | 17
The plan included a greater emphasis on consistency Lack of regular bus service to the Longhouse in regional HSTP plan development, more robust Need to connect residential and rural areas of guidance on project prioritization, examples of Anacortes (Mount Vernon and beyond) regional and national best practices, added emphasis Expanded transit service hours on weekends on performance measures and provides Additional on-demand service options recommendations to improve special needs Accessible bus stops Sometimes I see three busses pass, transportation in Washington state. Improved pedestrian infrastructure and more one right after the other. That’s a waste of bus shelters money. Can’t they consolidate stops? Skagit-Island 2007 and 2010 HSTP Service to match future needs The 2007 and 2010 HSTP plans were developed in a Increasing local Samish population in “ - Senior similar fashion as the current plan, however less state Anacortes guidance was available during those times. Since Future Tribal enterprises then, the state Agency Council on Coordinated Transportation has developed an HSTP template and I use the bus because sometimes A final plan is anticipated in December 2014. WSDOT has developed a statewide HSTP which I don’t have anyone to take me to where I provides additional structure to this effort. Skagit Prosperity Report need to go. I wish it passed by more
The 2007 and 2010 plans were used as reference The Skagit Prosperity Report: A Community Needs often—every 30 minutes. documents, especially in areas where they excelled, Assessment 2013 was developed by Community - Translation from Spanish speaker including document structure and demographic Action of Skagit County. The plan studies the broad analysis. They were also helpful points of reference, array of needs and resources for low-income people
particularly with respect to documentation of unmet in Skagit County. needs and some of the geographic coverage issues Most drivers are very courteous; present in Skagit and Island counties. The plan identifies transportation as an area of need which is above average in importance but also an they're like family. If I'm going off the
Samish Tribal Transit Plan area with an above average availability of resources. (Whidbey) Island, I have to hunt for a ride. “ Transportation was identified as an issue, particularly I'm taking beginning computer classes for The Samish Tribe is currently in the process of with respect to employment access for people with developing a tribal transit plan with elements similar seniors at the Oak Harbor Senior Center, low-income. Transportation challenges also included to this plan. For example, their plan will include an affording gas and insurance. which is possible thanks to Paratransit. assessment of current transit options to tribal - Survey response facilities and a community survey.
Outreach to tribal members has already begun and a list of transit challenges was presented at a September community meeting. They include: Skagit-Island Human Services Transportation Plan | Transpo Group | 18
5. Needs Assessment
The following section includes a variety of Figure 1: Group Homes, Senior Centers and Shopping Facilities Paratransit Destinations information sources which are used to identify the Group Homes need for human services transportation. These Island Transit Skagit Transit information sources include a summary of Summerhill 10,953 Life Care Center – Mount Vernon 14,880 paratransit trip origins and destinations, a Careage 8,626 Vintage at Mount Vernon 12,992 demographic profile of Skagit and Island counties, as Whidbey Manor 7,023 Mira Vista 12,191 Cambridge Cove 6,044 Life Care Center – Sedro-Woolley 7,783 well as an analysis of high need locations and a Regency 5,060 Alpine Ridge 7,073 compilation of unmet needs. Cambey 4,057 Adult Day Care 6,569 Harbor Towers 3,220 Group Home – Burlington 6,408 Development of Unmet Needs Brookhaven 2,774 Country Meadows 5,742 The comments and findings developed through the Maple Ridge 2,344 Mountain Glen 5,377 HomePlace 1,827 Group Home – Mount Vernon 5,362 various methods discussed in this section were Dean Manor 1,597 Prestige Nursing Home 4,931 consolidated into a findings and comment tracking Highland Greens 3,364 sheet. This sheet, located in Appendix C, was used to systematically consolidate and summarize the Senior Centers identified unmet needs, which are presented at the Island Transit Skagit Transit end of this section. Oak Harbor Senior Center 11,711 Senior Center – Anacortes 6,243
Time Together/Bayview Senior 9,787 Senior Center – Mount Vernon 5,223 Common Origins and Destinations Center Anonymous origin and destination (O-D) data Senior Center – Burlington 3,325 provided by Skagit Transit and Island Transit Shopping Facilities identifies the most frequently visited paratransit Island Transit Skagit Transit service locations, providing a better understanding of WalMart 9,252 Food Pavilion 8,618 the relative travel demand of the most visited Safeway 4,996 Cascade Mall 6,060 locations by paratransit riders. Saar’s Market 3,687 Walmart 5,899 Payless Shopping Complex 2,506 Fred Meyer 5,557 To compile the O-D information, Skagit Transit and Albertsons 1,875 Safeway 3,583 Island Transit paratransit pick-up and drop-off data Rite Aide 791 was compiled and sorted first by county and then Navy Exchange/Commissary 287 categorized by destination type. The raw data provided by the service providers are from June 2010 Source: Skagit Transit and Island Transit, June 2010 to June 2014 Skagit-Island Human Services Transportation Plan | Transpo Group | 19
to June 2014. While all available data provided by Island Transit was used in the analysis, Transfer Center data provided by Skagit Transit was omitted because these trips typically serve as intermediate Figure 2: Medical Facilities, Religious Facilities and Other Frequent Paratransit Destinations transfers which could result in double counting trips. Medical Facilities Adult Care Homes/Assisted Living was the most Island Transit Skagit Transit frequented trip destination, representing 28% of the Davita Dialysis 13,726 Mount Vernon Dialysis Center 34,878 Whidbey General North 12,297 Skagit Regional Medical Center 6,907 top trip destinations. Medical Centers were the Kidney Center 12,043 Compass Health 6,605 second most frequented destination, representing Whidbey General Hospital 8,181 Skagit Wound Healing Institute 5,596 21% of the top trip destinations. Of the top medical Whidbey Community Physicians 5,036 Skagit Valley Hospital 3,078 facility trips, 44% were to dialysis facilities including Whidbey General South 936 Davita Dialysis and Mount Vernon Dialysis Center, with Mount Vernon Dialysis Center being the top Religious Facilities overall destination in the region, generating nearly Island Transit Oak Harbor Lutheran Church 314 35,000 trips over the last four years. Christian Missionary of Langley 534 Paratransit users are also using the service to Trinity Lutheran 291 Church on the Rock 146 connect to physical fitness facilities and to Family Bible Church 649 employment centers. The top destination in Island St. Augustine’s Catholic Church 654 County was Thrive Fitness Center, generating nearly 14,000 trips over the same 2010-2014 timeframe. Other Frequent Destinations Chinook Enterprises, a private non-profit that Island Transit Skagit Transit provides employment opportunities to persons with Thrive Fitness Center 13,742 Chinook Enterprises 24,236 disabilities in Mount Vernon, was the second most Island Athletic Club 5,531 YMCA 13,387 Oak Harbor High School 5,217 Ovenell’s 6,746 frequented destination in the region, generating over Oak Harbor Library 3,966 Skyline 5,606 24,000 trips. American Legion 798 Riverside Health Club 4,643 CMA Church Soup Kitchen 649 Public Engagement Findings DSHS 571 Bayview Food Bank 508 As documented in Section 4, an extensive public Langley Library 468 engagement effort was conducted using online and Freeland Library 312 print surveys, listening sessions, ride-alongs and an Oak Harbor Post Office 227 advisory committee. Coupeville Library 223 Clinton Library 174 One of the major components of this effort was a Opportunity Council 150 public survey. A total of 143 surveys were completed, Source: Skagit Transit and Island Transit, June 2010 to June 2014 Skagit-Island Human Services Transportation Plan | Transpo Group | 20
Figure 3: I need transportation because: Figure 4: I need transportation to:
Figure 6: Why don’t the existing transportation options meet your needs? (Select all Figure 5: On a scale of 1 to 5 (low to high), rank how current transporta- tion options are meeting your needs:
however some survey questions were left common responses are listed below with a complete vehicle, followed by age and disability. This unanswered on a few of the questionnaires. Based on summary of survey responses in Appendix D: information informed the needs index analysis. the zip code provided by survey respondents, Oak Transit is by far the most used means of The single largest reason why people need Harbor, Camano Island, and Langley were identified transportation, however family, friends and transportation is because they don’t own a as the most heavily represented areas. A summary of volunteers as well as non-vehicular Skagit-Island Human Services Transportation Plan | Transpo Group | 21
Figure 7: I need to go to (top three destinations): frequent and recurring basis. Over half of respondents mentioned Mount Vernon as one of their top three destinations, followed by Oak Harbor and Burlington. The vast majority of survey respondents were somewhat knowledgeable to very familiar with their transportation options. Nearly half of participants said that some of their transportation needs are being met. An additional 40 percent said that more than some of their transportation needs are being met, while 14 percent of respondents said that less than some of their transportation needs are being met. The top two reasons respondents do not use existing services are because it does not go to where they need to go or does not come to where they live. Additionally, 18 percent of respondents said existing services take too long and 9 percent said they do not know how to sign up or get information about existing services. Nearly half of respondents said that lack of transportation impacted their ability to participate in community events, meet medical and health needs or accomplish daily tasks.
Special Needs Populations To help capture feedback from a variety of special needs populations, a variety of events and transportation are also key means of family and friends, and work or job training. engagement strategies were used. Generally, each transportation. These results align with Skagit Transit and event targeted one of the key special needs Running errands and medical appointments Island Transit paratransit trip data; however populations: seniors, people with disabilities, or are the most frequently mentioned travel the paratransit trip data highlights the people with low-income. A summary of each group’s purposes, followed by social events, seeing importance of locations which are used on a needs are included below. Skagit-Island Human Services Transportation Plan | Transpo Group | 22
Public Feedback from Skagit County Buddy Walk needs transit service Not knowing how to ride the bus can prevent seniors from riding the bus Paratransit service provided personal freedom and access to community events Paratransit operators were very appreciated Persons with Disabilities Personal freedom and job access was a major concern Scheduling paratransit service was difficult and required advanced planning Return trips, after an appointment for example, could be frustrating because of the long wait, especially if riders must wait outside in bad weather Better communication about schedule could make service easier to use Transit services end too early to attend some events and appointments People with Low-Income The intake survey for Project Homeless Connect, indicated that 20% of event attendees arrived at the event by bus, 40% drove themselves, 18% walked and 20% carpooled People appreciate that Island Transit is free Seniors they could be and said that Skagit Transit’s fare can present a There was a great appreciation that Island Feeling that the bus system is for commuters, barrier to some Transit is fare-free not seniors Paratransit service is greatly appreciated but Access to fixed-route transit service can be The lack of scheduling flexibility can make it can be slow, with return trips hard to schedule difficult hard to use More frequent service with an expanded Frequency of service, especially to rural areas, Expanded span of service, including Sunday, service area is needed is very limited would be nice Transit service is a lifeline for some users Concern that buses aren’t run as efficiently as Samish Island in Skagit County, and other areas Some riders said they felt unsafe riding on the Skagit-Island Human Services Transportation Plan | Transpo Group | 23
bus, either because of the driver or other Figure 8: Skagit and Island County Demographic Data passengers County Population (1) Age 65+ (2) Poverty (1) Disability (1) No Vehicle (1) County connector service is important, but 18,900 25,900 15,100 2,000 Skagit County 122,200 more service is needed (15.4%) (21.2%) (12.3%) (1.6%) Driving can be easier and cheaper although 14,400 12,400 9,700 1,200 Island County 78,500 paying for gas can be an issue (18.3%) (15.7%) (12.3%) (1.5%) The span of bus service, especially on the Total 200,700 33,300 38,300 24,800 3,200 weekend, makes it hard to use the bus to get Source: ( 1) 2012 American Community Survey 5-year Estimates (2008-2012), (2) 2010 Decennial Census to/from work Pocket service needs to be more frequent and special needs populations: people age 65 and over, needs population relative to the countywide should give people more time to run errands in people with disabilities, people with low-income and population. Skagit and Island counties did not place town households without a vehicle. Combined, there is a in the top 25% percentile for any of the above Lack of transportation is the number one total population of 200,700 among the two counties, measures in the statewide HSTP. reason people miss human services with 122,200 in Skagit County and 78,500 in Island These measures are indicators of the population appointments County. who rely on human services transportation. Maps Skagit County has the highest poverty ratio between Demographic Profile illustrating the census data for these population the two counties, with 21 percent of the population groups are available in Appendix E. To understand where special needs populations live, falling at 150 percent of the poverty level; while a demographic profile of Skagit and Island counties Island County has 16 percent. Skagit County has was developed. This demographic profile draws from 43,700 more residents than Island County, so 21 High Needs Areas 2010 Decennial Census data and 2008-2012, 5-year percent also represents a larger number of people. A needs assessment, using the census data American Community Survey (ACS) estimates, which Persons with a disability account for 12 percent of previously identified, was conducted for census are both data products of the US Census Bureau. the population in both counties again with a larger tracts in Skagit and Island counties to determine total number of people in Skagit County. Poverty data which geographic areas have the greatest need for Mapping of the data illustrates where specific high was compiled using 2008-2012, 5-year ACS data human services transportation. Census block group needs populations are concentrated. However, while disability data is from 2010 Decennial Census data was aggregated to the census tract level and several limitations exist including the large data. data for the two counties was combined to produce geographic scale of some of the census tracts, a Composite Need Index, which was then used to particularly in eastern Skagit County. Data summarized by county and demographic type is display the Proportional Need and Density Need shown in Figure 8. The clustering or magnitude of special needs throughout Skagit and Island counties. populations within these areas can help guide The statewide HSTP reviewed the same demographic decision-making by maintaining or directing measures on at a statewide level by county. This additional resources to those areas with high need. analysis helped to identify counties with either a The data contained in this profile focuses on four large total special needs population or a large special Skagit-Island Human Services Transportation Plan | Transpo Group | 24
Methodology Proportional Need Index: This measure Guemes Island. In addition to parts of Anacortes and The previously summarized demographic data, which identifies areas with a large special needs Oak Harbor, Mount Vernon and Burlington are also is representative of populations that rely most on the population relative to the total population of the identified as areas with a high density of need. human services transportation system, was used for area. This was calculated by dividing the Composite Need Index by the total population of this analysis. These demographic measures are Unmet Needs consistent with the previous 2010 Skagit-Island the area. This helps to identify areas where need Based on public engagement (surveys, listening Human Services Transportation Plan as well as grant is greater than would be expected based on total sessions, and ride-along), committee discussions, and funding streams used by the Washington State population. a review of past HSTP and other related plans – a Department of Transportation. Density Need Index: This measure identifies range of unmet needs were identified. The strategies To determine which census tracts have the greatest areas with a high density of people with special and activities identified by this plan, and ultimately need for human services transportation, a Composite needs. This was calculated by dividing the the projects prioritized for WSDOT consolidated grant Need Index score was developed using the four Composite Need Index by the total size of the demographic measures summarized above. First, the area. This measure identifies areas where a large Composite Need Index score was calculated by concentration of people with special needs live. multiplying each demographic measure by a criteria Census tracts scoring within the top 25 percent of weight. The criteria weights were as follows: both measures were mapped in Figure 9 on the next page. Age 65+ – 20 150 percent below poverty level – 20 Findings Disability – 25 No Vehicle – 35 The analysis shows that needs are distributed throughout Skagit and Island counties, with both the These criteria weights were established based on proportional and density need index measures initial survey feedback and previous human service indicating overlapping high need in areas of Anacortes transportation planning experience. The larger the and Oak Harbor. This shows that compared to other weight, the more “need” the demographic measure census tracts and block groups these areas have both has on the Composite Need Index. a higher proportion of need as well as a higher density of need. Next, the Composite Need Index was used to calculate the Proportional Need Index and Density Taken individually, the index measures also provide Need Index results. These two measures were helpful information. The proportional need index calculated because each measure captures a different indicates high need on many of the largely rural Island aspect of the overall need picture: County communities of South Whidbey Island and East-South Camano Island in addition to East Skagit County, the Swinomish Indian Reservation and County Connector Service Skagit-Island Human Services Transportation Plan | Transpo Group | 25
Figure 9: Human Services Transportation Need Index (Census Tract in Top 25%)
Source: 2010 Decennial Census (Population 65+) and 2012 American Community Survey 5-year Estimates 2008-2012 (No Vehicle Household, People with Disabilities, People of Low-Income) Skagit-Island Human Services Transportation Plan | Transpo Group | 26
funding, were developed to address these unmet and weekends was identified as a very common providing weather protection and seating. This needs. need, especially among those who need to get was particularly mentioned by paratransit to and from work or rely on human service riders. Below is a list of areas in which current services were transportation to get to and from community Improve Coordination and Communication identified as not meeting needs. or social events. Providing more information about services and Increased system coverage including fixed- Maintain System how to ride, particularly for those who may be route, paratransit and pocket service was eligible for paratransit service or do not have Existing transportation services are not identified by a cross section of users as a need. internet access. meeting all needs. About half of the survey The following areas were specifically While paratransit service is greatly appreciated, respondents said that the current system is mentioned: scheduling of service is inflexible and requires a meeting some of their needs, with 15 percent South Whidbey significant amount of advanced planning. This saying it met less than some of their needs and Guemes Island was a very common comment from paratransit 40 percent saying it meets more than some of Samish Island riders. their needs. Stanwood Real-time bus location information would make Maintaining existing transit service and Sedro-Woolley it easier for passengers to use services. restoring suspended or cut service was broadly March’s Point identified as a key need, especially in Island Improved connections and coordination County. between transit/ferry service in Skagit County Increase and Improve Service and Island County, including tribal reservations, and to regional destinations like Bellingham, Increasing service levels was broadly identified Everett and Seattle were identified. This as a need, especially among existing riders. included both better connections to service and Areas which were identified as high needs improved frequency of county connector areas include: service. This was mentioned more frequently Anacortes by those in Anacortes and in Island County. Mount Vernon Improve on-time reliability of fixed-route Burlington service. Oak Harbor South Whidbey Increase Access East-South Camano Island The cost of public transit in Skagit County and East Skagit County other transportation options can be a cost Swinomish Indian Reservation burden for those with low-income. Guemes Island Accessing fixed-route service can be difficult March’s Point and unsafe, particularly for those in rural areas. Extending the span of service during evenings Bus stop facilities are minimal with few stops Skagit-Island Human Services Transportation Plan | Transpo Group | 27
6. Emergency Management
During emergencies, people who rely on the human including in the case of evacuation. While these plans exist, no interlocal agreement or services transportation system may still need memorandum of understanding has been developed In this role, Skagit Transit acts as a support agency transportation services, particularly if they are between Island Transit and Island County. State with guidance from other agencies at the EOC. The required to evacuate or leave their home. To prepare guidance suggests that such an agreement be plan also identifies Skagit Transit as a resource to help for emergencies Skagit and Island counties have developed to ensure mutual and clear understanding provide a damage assessment throughout the county. created plans that identify key agencies, their roles, of Island Transit’s role, abilities and responsibilities The specifics of this coordination are clearly laid out in communication channels and responsibilities through during an emergency. an interlocal agreement signed in September 2007 their departments of emergency management . between Skagit Transit and Skagit County. To ensure that human services transportation The second plan, developed by the Regional providers are part of the emergency planning work, Catastrophic Preparedness Grant Program, includes state planning guidance requires that emergency emergency closure of I-5 and other major highways. planners are made aware of the HSTPs developed by In the long-term, increased transit service or new agencies within their jurisdiction. Skagit Transit and transit service provided by Skagit Transit was Island Transit have already been engaged in local identified as a response strategy. emergency comprehensive planning efforts, with a summary of the emergency plans currently in place below. Upon adoption of this plan, SCOG will contact Island Transit local emergency planning staff, make them aware of Two emergency management plans were identified this plan, and communicate the importance of for Island County. The first, which was prepared by continued engagement. the Island County Department of Emergency Management, identifies Island Transit as an EOC Skagit Transit participant with responsibility for transportation coordination. Skagit Transit has a defined role in two emergency management plans. The Comprehensive Emergency The second plan, developed by the Regional Management Plan developed by the Skagit County Catastrophic Preparedness Grant Program, identifies Department of Emergency Management identifies scenarios in which land connections to Whidbey or Skagit Transit as an Emergency Operations Center Camano Island are destroyed. This plan also identifies (EOC) member. The plan calls for Skagit Transit to Island Transit as an EOC participant with responsibility support transportation coordination efforts including to provide increased or new transit service to ferry the movement of persons with special needs, terminals. Skagit-Island Human Services Transportation Plan | Transpo Group | 28
7. Technology
Advances in technology, particularly around Skagit Transit Transportation Authority, and other regional Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL), Computer Aided agencies Dispatch and Traveler Information Systems have The information below was developed and Installation of information kiosks given transit providers new tools to better operate, documented in the Skagit Metropolitan Planning Electronic information at transit stops and plan and manage their bus fleets. The deployment of Organization (MPO) ITS Architecture Plan which was stations technology in the transportation sector is broadly approved in December 2011. Develop transit trip planning tools categorized as Intelligent Transportation Systems Existing Technology Have the ability to collect electronic fare/ (ITS). Implementation of ITS, which Skagit Transit and passenger information Island Transit have already used to varying degrees, Vehicles used for demand responsive service Develop transit signal priority systems with helps improve the efficiency of operations, ease of have AVL systems local jurisdictions use, safety and quality of experience for transit riders. Security camera systems on all buses Security monitoring systems at Skagit Station, Island Transit Using ITS to improve communication with riders was South Mount Vernon Park & Ride and other The information below was documented in the Island a common theme identified during public locations Transit ITS Inventory which was compiled in engagement. Rider information such as real-time bus Planned Projects September 2014. location or arrival information available through an application or on a kiosk was a common request. This No projects in the Skagit MPO ITS Architecture Existing Technology information helps reduce anxiety for riders when Plan are currently planned All fixed-route and paratransit vehicles have transferring between buses or between the bus Potential Projects AVL with Mobile Data Terminals system and Washington State Ferries. It also helps The following projects were identified as potential Video monitoring at: riders deal with transit services delays or know if they future projects: Harbor Station Transit Center have missed their bus. Oak Harbor Below is a summary of existing and planned ITS Installation of AVL systems on all buses for Prairie Station Transit Park (Coupeville) projects by Skagit Transit and Island Transit. WSDOT improved schedule adherence tracking and real Noble Creek Transit Park (Langley) -time information has developed a statewide ITS architecture plan Whidbey Island Park and Ride (Clinton) Monitoring abilities at all park and ride which includes a list of potential future ITS Freeland Park and Ride locations and stations investments, including ITS investments in transit. Transit Maintenance Facilities (Camano Dissemination of real-time information about Island and Coupeville) schedules and vehicle locations to the public Radio over Internet Protocol to improve radio Coordinate trip planning and information with communication (in progress) Washington State Ferries, Whatcom Trip planning through Google Maps Skagit-Island Human Services Transportation Plan | Transpo Group | 29
Planned Projects Closed Circuit Surveillance Camera No projects are currently planned or included in the WSDOT ITS Architecture
Potential Projects The projects below have been identified as potential future projects based on the Island Transit ITS inventory.
Expanded video monitoring at Bayview Park and Ride, North Oak Harbor Park and Ride and Terry’s Corner Park and Ride Real-time security audio and video streaming from buses Development of a trip planning app Installation of real-time bus location information kiosks at major transfer points and potentially development of a smart phone app Installation of in-bus automated stop announcement system and reader board Skagit-Island Human Services Transportation Plan | Transpo Group | 30
8. Strategies and Activities
A key deliverable of this plan, the strategies and schedule, the project prioritization methodology and County Connector Route 80X activities identified below, were developed through priority project list are detailed separately in an iterative process which included integration of the Appendix F, allowing an easy mid-cycle update to the needs analysis, distillation of public engagement and project priorities in 2016. input from the Skagit-Island Special Needs Transportation Committee. The strategies and activities form a shared regional vision of how to Identified Strategies and Activities improve human services transportation in Skagit and The HSTP strategies (“S”) and activities (“A”) are Island counties, including the investment priorities included below. which are used to score and rank projects.
The committee provided early recommendations for S1 Preserve Existing Services: maintain or restore each of the strategies, activities and priorities, with existing service levels and vehicle fleet the SIRTPO Policy Board adopting their A1-1: Fund operations of existing or restored recommendations with some modifications. service
Strategies identify the desired high-level priorities of A1-2: Maintain and/or replace bus fleet to the HSTP, with activities focused on actionable steps ensure a state of good repair that can be taken to advance the associated strategy. transportation services in high need areas The activities included below are commonly used by A1-3: Maintain and build adequate capital A3-2: Work with communities in high needs transportation providers to improve their service and reserves to fund fleet replacement areas to identity gaps and how best to meet address issues faced by special needs riders. A1-4: Conduct planning and other support needs However, these activities should not be viewed as the tasks necessary to maintain service S4 Improve Regional Connections: improve cross- only options available to address the intent of each regional connections strategy. Additional guidance is available in Section 9. S2 Expand Services: increase service levels A2-1: Increase coverage of service A4-1: Increase span, frequency and capacity To complete the application process for WSDOT of service consolidated grants, applicants must show how their A2-2: Increase span of service (weekends project addresses the identified strategies. The extent and evenings) A4-2: Improve schedule integration between to which a project addresses these strategies will systems determine how high it scores as a regional funding A2-3: Increase frequency of service priority. A4-3: Cooperatively operate or fund cross- S3 Address High Need Areas: provide service to areas jurisdictional service Project prioritization and WSDOT consolidated grant scoring high in human services transportation need funding occurs every two years, with HSTP updates index S5 Increase User Knowledge: increase knowledge of completed every four years. Because of this offset available transportation options to targeted users A3-1: Maintain, restore or expand Skagit-Island Human Services Transportation Plan | Transpo Group | 31
A5-1: Improve user knowledge among human services providers and users infrastructure to support access to and from special needs populations transit service A9-1: Plan and implement mobility A5-2: Leverage existing communication tools management projects A12-3: Encourage siting of human services to better inform the public of transportation and housing for special needs populations options A9-2: Host periodic (annual or quarterly) near existing fixed-route transit service meetings between transit providers and A5-3: Increase public knowledge of travel human services providers S13 Promote Innovation: promote innovative training programs programs, processes and tools that improve efficiency S10 Utilize Technology: utilize technology to provide and reduce cost A5-4: Ensure agencies, groups and improved efficiency and user access to mobility communities who support special needs options A13-1: Utilize social media and mobile populations are well informed workshops to engage special needs A10-1: Improve rider information using real- populations S6 Improve Existing Service Timeliness: improve time information systems quality of timeliness of service S14 Promote Environmental Sustainability: A10-2: Implement and utilize radio systems incorporate environmentally sustainable practices A6-1: Track on-time performance of routes and computer-aided dispatch to improve into regional coordinated transportation planning and and identify solutions scheduling efficiency services
A6-2: Make changes such as increased A10-3: Improve rider information and trip A14-1: Reduce fleet emissions through schedule padding to improve timeliness of planning tools increased fleet efficiency and/or alternative service A10-4: Improve driver and rider safety fuel source vehicles S7 Utilize Existing Services: improve utilization of through security investments on buses and S15 Leverage Funding: further leverage available existing transportation services at stops funding
A7-1: Improve access to service through S11 Inform Users of Mobility Options: assist human A15-1: Develop funding partnerships to fund investments in bus stops, ADA equipment service providers in guiding users to the most efficient projects using a variety of sources other than and bicycle equipment mobility options the WSDOT consolidated grant program A7-2: Reduce financial barriers to access A11-1: Provide travel training for fixed-route through a voucher program and paratransit service Prioritization of Strategies A7-3: Continue to improve schedule S12 Improve Provider Regional Coordination: While all of the identified strategies are important, coordination with different modes and improve coordination between regional and cross- some are of higher importance than others. This service providers regional transit service providers dynamic was captured by assigning weighted factors S8 Expand Driver Training: promote driver training to A12-1: Modify or add human service or to each strategy, with higher values assigned to more encourage “compassionate professionalism” transit service to ensure both services can be important strategies. provided in concert A8-1: Maintain driver training standards Weights were developed by the Skagit-Island Special A12-2: Coordinate county and city public Needs Transportation Committee using a “budgeting” S9 Improve Provider-User Coordination: improve works investments in transportation approach, with a total of 100 points allocated among coordination between transit service providers, the strategies. The weighted factors were then Skagit-Island Human Services Transportation Plan | Transpo Group | 32
reviewed by the Skagit and Island sub-RTPO policy Future Steps an updated prioritized project list in two years and an boards and finalized by the SIRTPO Policy Board. updated HSTP in four years. Using this menu of options the SIRTPO Policy Board, The finalized weighted factors are included in Figure Skagit-Island Special Needs Transportation Continued regional coordination and project 10. These factors are used to prioritize projects based Committee, stakeholders, and elected officials can implementation can strengthen this ongoing effort, on which strategy or strategies they satisfy. determine which, if any, of the above options are improving human services transportation in Skagit appropriate next steps for the region. and Island counties as well as improving competitiveness for the next grant funding cycle. Coordination and Implementation Major future work items required for continued Ongoing coordination and project implementation are eligibility of WSDOT consolidated grant funds includes some of the key goals of the HSTP. Better Figure 10: Prioritized Strategies and Weights communication and coordination between special Implementation Strategies Weights needs populations, human services providers, transportation providers and other related parties S1 Preserve Existing Services: maintain or restore existing service levels and 15 was agreed upon as a valuable outcome from the vehicle fleet HSTP work. S2 Expand Services: increase service levels 15 S3 Address High Need Areas: provide service to areas scoring high in human Based on suggestions from the Skagit-Island Special 15 services transportation need index Needs Transportation Committee, a “menu of S4 Improve Regional Connections: improve cross-regional connections 15 options” for continued coordination and S5 Increase User Knowledge: increase knowledge of available transportation implementation were identified. They include: 10 options to targeted users An online forum which could provide an S6 Improve Existing Service Timeliness: improve quality of timeliness of ser- 5 avenue for committee members to keep vice abreast of ongoing efforts, coordinate and S7 Utilize Existing Services: improve utilization of existing transportation ser- 5 provide input vices S8 Expand Driver Training: promote driver training to encourage Mobility Managers – which other counties use 5 “compassionate professionalism” as a way to improve communication between S9 Improve Provider-User Coordination: improve coordination between organizations on an ongoing basis 5 transit service providers, human services providers and users Monthly group meeting – which other counties S10 Utilize Technology: utilize technology to provide improved efficiency and 5 utilize to coordinate on issues user access to mobility options Designate a north Puget Sound mobility S11 Inform Users of Mobility Options: assist human service providers in guid- 5 manager, rather than a county level mobility ing users to the most efficient mobility options manager, which would be valuable in helping S12 Improve Provider Regional Coordination: improve coordination between 5 address cross-county coordination challenges regional and cross-regional transit service providers S13 Promote Innovation: promote innovative programs, processes and tools Hold an annual transportation forum, which 5 could provide updates on progress and that improve efficiency and reduce cost reconvene the advisory committee S14 Promote Environmental Sustainability: incorporate environmentally sus- tainable practices into regional coordinated transportation planning and 5 organizations services S15 Leverage Funding: further leverage available funding 5 Skagit-Island Human Services Transportation Plan | Transpo Group | 33
9. WSDOT Consolidated Grant Program
The Washington State Department of Transportation Details on grant applications including application between communities. distributes federal and state grant funds though a process, project ranking and deadlines are provided in Financial Partnerships – Establish opportunities consolidated, biennial grant funding cycle. This HSTP Appendix F and on WSDOT’s website. for collaboration among local jurisdictions, will inform grant funding for the 2015-2017 and 2017- regional organizations, private sector agencies, 2019 funding cycles. This system simplifies the grant Program Goals state and federal governments, and tribal application process, allowing applicants to apply for governments. Ensure stakeholders have a voice in multiple grant funding sources with a single The consolidated grant program is part of Moving project development. Encourage appropriate cost application every two years. This also improves Washington, an integrated, multimodal approach to sharing for projects. WSDOT grant funding flexibility which helps ensure transportation planning. Key investment principals include maintaining the transportation system, that available funds are fully utilized. The WSDOT Support Coordination and Multimodal ensuring safety of the traveling public and investing in consolidated grant program distributes funds Development – Local organizations are required cost-effective solutions (operate efficiently, manage competitively from: to coordinate services with other transportation demand, add capacity strategically). providers in their area, as well as other Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Programs organizations potentially able to use or purchase Section 5310, 5311, 5316 and 5317 Specific goals of the consolidated grant program the services. Organizations are encouraged to State Rural Mobility Program include: consider all modes/forms of transportation State Paratransit/Special Needs Program for Address Deficiencies – Encourage communities beyond traditional sources to enhance the nonprofit organizations to identify and address deficiencies in effectiveness of their services. paratransit/special needs or rural public transportation. Maintain Fleets – As part of Governor Inslee’s Results Washington, WSDOT has been given the Provide a Community Benefit – Assist local areas goal of maintaining the percentage of transit with determining community benefits and vehicles in the state that are within their support for paratransit/special needs or rural minimum useful life. public transportation.
Preservation or Enhancement – Provide funding Eligible Projects to preserve or enhance paratransit/special needs A variety of project types are eligible for grant funding or rural public transportation where there is a including operating assistance, capital projects, demonstrated need and measurable benefit. mobility management projects and planning projects. New projects are required to have at least a 5% local Community Connections – Support a sustainable match, or 10% match, for continuing projects. Federal Deception Pass network of transportation services within and Skagit-Island Human Services Transportation Plan | Transpo Group | 34
grants require large local match ratios, however in such as labor, supplies, fuel, etc. Operating grant special needs transportation services some situations, in-kind contributions can be counted funds cannot be used for the depreciation of Feeder bus service for the intercity network toward the local match. WSDOT’s consolidated grant vehicles purchased with federal or state dollars, Equipment to assist with mobility application provides specific guidance on local match or for costs associated with expenses incurred management activities requirements. WSDOT guidance on eligible projects is during timeframes outside of the grant period reproduced below: (such as prepaid insurance coverage). Examples of Eligible Capital Projects eligible operating grants include, but are not All equipment purchased through the Eligible Operating Projects limited to: consolidated grant program must be used to Operating assistance consists of activities and Operating assistance for rural public provide the passenger transportation services services directly provided or purchased by the transportation services outlined in the project application. Examples of applicant. Project funds may be used for expenses Operating assistance for paratransit/ eligible capital projects include, but are not limited to:
Purchasing buses, vans, and other passenger service vehicles Refurbishing existing passenger service vehicles Retrofitting vehicles for wheelchair lifts Replacement parts for passenger service vehicles Radios and communications equipment Computer hardware and software, including dispatching software and data systems Equipment needed for new technologies, through innovative and improved products, for public transportation that enhances operations, mobility, and access Other equipment such as bicycle racks and fareboxes Pre-owned or used wheelchair-accessible, passenger-service vehicles (only if it is clearly identified in the application) Bus shelters Chuckanut Park and Ride Maintenance equipment (such as bus lifts Skagit-Island Human Services Transportation Plan | Transpo Group | 35
and specialized diagnostic tools) Development of a local or regional project list based upon how well each project fares Security equipment coordination plan when compared directly to other projects. Agency financial and operating plan Eligible Mobility Management Projects Comprehensive Transportation Plan Mobility management describes projects that Project Ranking assist special needs populations maintain a Based on the priority projects identified by the Skagit- quality of life by connecting them to vital services Island Regional Transportation Planning Organization through outreach, information and education, Policy Board, projects are assigned a letter grade of A, and working to break down transportation B, C, or D. The top five projects will receive an A barriers for special needs populations. These grade, the second five will receive a B grade and the funds may be used to support salaries and third four will receive a C grade. The remainder of administration of mobility management projects coming from a region will receive a D grade. programs and staff, develop, and/or purchase educational and outreach materials, and support Here are the additional percentile points projects information sharing. Examples of mobility receive through the regional process: management projects include, but are not limited A – Top 5 Projects (Additional 50 points) to: B – Second 5 Projects (Additional 25 points) Planning and coordination and/or policy C – Third 4 Projects (Additional 12 points) work addressing critical gaps in special D – Remaining Project (0 percentile points added) needs transportation When projects are evaluated at the statewide level, Supporting travel training programs they can receive up to 100 points. The maximum Programs providing information and/or score any project can receive is 150 points, which education about special needs would occur if the project received 100 points transportation through statewide scoring and also received an “A” in the regional ranking process, giving the project an Eligible Planning Projects additional 50 points.
Planning projects consist of planning, The statewide evaluation consists of an evaluation coordination, or other activities to address the committee which is given a random sample of needs of the applicant and/or the community projects submitted across the state. The committee they serve. Examples of eligible planning projects then conducts a forced-pairs analysis whereby each include, but are not limited to: project is compared with every other project in the random sample. This head-to-head comparison of Local or regional marketing plan for special projects allows evaluators to create a prioritized needs or rural public transportation [This page was intentionally left blank] Appendix A - Committee Meeting Summaries and Responses Skagit-Island Special Needs Transportation Committee Meeting Meeting Summary SCOG Meeting Room--July 10, 2014, 10am
Present:
Noah Bannister, Boys & Girls Club of Skagit County Carolyn Chase, Skagit Transit Lisa Clark, Opportunity Council Doug Cox, Island County Elisa Delgado, Volunteers of America Anna Esquibel, Northwest Educational Services District #189 Mark Hamilton, SCOG Ally Horry, NWRC Karla Jacks, Camano Center Patrick Lynch, Transpo Evan Olsen, WSDOT Adam Parast, Transpo Tara Satushek, Swinomish Tribe Marcy Smith, Skagit Transit Liz Theaker, SCOG (intern) Dee Wells, Skagit Transit
The meeting was called to order at 10:05 am.
SCOG Introduction and Process Overview
Following introductions, Mark Hamilton’s presentation included SCOG’s history and roles since inception in the 1960s. He explained the relationship with Island County and the structure of the Regional Transportation Planning Organization (RTPO). Mark explained that the Skagit Island Special Needs Transportation Committee (SIRTPO) was created by the RTPO and is an advisory vs. decision-making body. The committee will focus primarily on:
1. Preparing a regional coordinated public transit human services transportation plan, and
2. Prioritizing regional human services transportation projects.
Mark explained that this must be done every four years, with the resulting plan presented to the State. A WSDOT project schedule from 2013 was presented. The draft plan must be completed by September 2014 and approved by the RTPO. Once approved, the plan must be submitted no later than December 2014.
The committee’s goal is to meet once per month July through November with five meetings total, with meetings lasting roughly 1.5 hours each. Mark distributed questionnaires for the purpose of collecting committee-member demographics as required by Title VI of the Federal Transportation Administration (FTA).
Transpo Group Introduction and Process Overview
Adam and Patrick explained that a major challenge to creating a Human Services Transportation Plan (HSTP) is the collection and prioritization of information and needs. Transpo has worked with Pierce County and the State of Washington in developing HSTPs; the group has extensive experience collecting and distilling large amounts of information. They explained that while the final plan may not fulfill everyone’s needs, it will be informed by all stakeholders present. They gave an overview of the previous Transpo HSTP for Skagit-Island counties and felt the structure was conducive to structuring essential information needed for filling out grant applications. Mark mentioned that the documents discussed by Transpo are available for committee review at www.scog.net, and that he would also create a section in the SCOG website where he would upload pertinent documents.
Transpo identified the “high-importance population” as older adults, persons with disabilities, and low-income persons. Three main strategies in developing a new HSTP are: Committee, Listening Session & Survey (of service providers), and Ride Along (ride on a service and experience it, challenges, etc.). The Ride Along, which is an informal survey, may involve participation by committee members.
Transpo will also focus on a service gap assessment that will consist of three parts: Awareness (customer perception of the service), Customers (Are customers getting where they need to go? What areas are underserved? Are there issues with inter-jurisdictional cooperation, expansion, or safety?), and Operations (funding to preserve service, fleet maintenance, etc.). Coordination initiatives include: Policies (goals), Programs (objectives: programs intended to break down barriers that make system seem disjointed), and Projects (measures: projects typically defined as capital or operations; outgrowth of certain programmatic initiatives). Additional items include: Review of Past Projects (did they meet goals and objectives?) and a Clear Prioritization Process.
WSDOT Consolidated Grant Program Overview
Evan Olsen identified the mission of this program: To support mobility for those unable to transport themselves. The strategy is: To address gaps in transportation through grants for special needs purposes.
This mission and strategy are met through the HSTP process (a requirement for Federal funds):
• Participation by stakeholders • Addresses service gaps for special needs • Locally derived priority project list
Evan gave an overview of the Consolidated Grants program, which includes two state program grants (Paratransit/Special Needs and Rural Mobility Competitive grants) and four federal grants (FTA 5310, 5311, 5316, and 5317). The Consolidated Grants program helps streamline a grant process that was previously challenged by the multiple funding cycles/fiscal years of various granting agencies.
Eligible Project Types include Planning, Operating, Capital Vehicles and Equipment, and Mobility Management. Evan mentioned that some of these grant sources are underutilized, and that eligible recipients include Public Agencies, Non-profits, For-profits, and Tribes. Since 2005, historical funding levels have ranged from $27-$39 million per biennium. Evan also explained the evaluation process, which includes a Forced Pairs analysis and a regional ranking point system (A’s, B’s, C’s, D’s). Grant reviewers allocate funds by ranking and recommending projects to WSDOT, who in turn matches appropriate federal and state funds to those projects. Evaluations occur in early January 2014, funding is awarded that spring, and the projects are expected to start July 1, 2015. The grant application deadline has been moved up to November 2014 for the next funding cycle.
Logistics for Future Meetings
Morning meetings are preferred, and can occur in the SCOG meeting room. August 6 at 10 a.m. will be the next meeting, and the committee can discuss future meeting logistics at that time. Mark added that any committee members wanting additional items on the agenda are welcome to contact him at [email protected].
Next Steps and Homework Assignment
Transpo Group needs more detail regarding what specific transportation services are offered by the entities represented on the Special Needs Committee. This information can be e-mailed to Liz Theaker at [email protected]. The ideal information will include general service area, origins and destinations of trips, and results of any outreach efforts conducted by individual organizations. Transpo will send more specific data requests to Mark as needed, but more information is better.
The committee is also asked to send responses to the following two questions no later than two weeks prior to the August 6 meeting:
1. What do you hope to get out of the planning process? 2. Who else should be involved and how best to involve them?
The meeting ended at 11:33am.
Skagit-Island Special Needs Transportation Committee Meeting Summary SCOG Meeting Room--August 6, 2014, 10am
Present:
Carolyn Chase, Skagit Transit Robert Gummere, Skagit Transit Mark Hamilton, SCOG Aly Horry, NWRC Karla Jacks, Camano Center Monica Lopez, Opportunity Council Kevin Murphy, SCOG Evan Olsen, WSDOT Adam Parast, Transpo Martha Rose, Island Transit Gail Sealander, Volunteers of America NS 211 Marcia Smith, Skagit Transit Liz Theaker, SCOG (intern) Dee Wells, Island Transit
Meeting called to order at 10:05am
Findings on Information Gathering
Data has been gathered from Skagit Prosperity Report, top Island Transit origin-destinations, top Skagit Transit origin-destinations, responses to agency questionnaire, demographics information, and NW Educational Services District data. Additional information collected will be included in the coordinated public transit-human services transportation plan (HSTP). Demographics still being collected for Service Gaps Analysis; data will come from U.S. Census Bureau data (variables will include disability status, population older than 65, no access to vehicle, and low income (150%)).
Survey and Sharing of Existing Data
Adam developed a draft survey; committee feedback is requested. Mark needs to know: 1. What data each agency has available, and 2. Whether that data is confidential. This also helps prevent duplication of survey responses. Each agency is encouraged to brainstorm and share how they might get the survey distributed to their ridership (paper, online survey via SurveyMonkey, etc.). Adam encouraged committee members to view the survey as a tool to gather information needed by their own agencies as well as supplement the final report. An additional goal is to streamline the survey and eliminate/consolidate questions prior to distribution.
Suggestions for the survey included:
Add question “Would you like to receive training to transition from paratransit?” Add spaces for name, phone, etc. in case someone would like to be contacted re: training Change responses to “Do you know what transportation services are currently available to you?” from nominal to ordinal level Convert some of the nominal responses to ordinal level Add Camano Island, Everett, Clinton, Bayview, Stanwood, Greenbank to list of destinations
General comments/comments on how to effectively distribute surveys to vast range of respondents: For Camano, use senior center during lunches, Meals-On-Wheels, one-on-one contact, fire auxiliary groups, social clubs; electronic communication not recommended for this area Many people are intimidated by transit process Promote URL, gather responses over phone Meals on Wheels, Community Action (Mark will contact C.A.) Churches on Camano; pastors know who is struggling in community Mark hoping each agency can devise method to collect surveys Cross-county connections Check with tribes to see if they endorse use of ACS data to accurately reflect the demographics within their tribes
Additional communication with tribes is sought. WSDOT allows agencies with main transportation center outside of Skagit/Island with services in Skagit/Island to participate in transportation grant program even if their main offices are located outside of the region.
Responses to the survey can be scanned and e-mailed; that’s easiest for SCOG and Transpo. Mailed copies or hand delivery also would work.
Exercise to Identify Properties
Adam feels the accuracy/specificity of project priorities can be improved upon since last report, and briefly reviewed the 2007 and 2010 plan outlines. Dot exercise for priorities listed on a panel at meeting measured committee priority preferences for topics in the following general areas (followed by number of votes in parentheses):
Coordination and Communication (7) System Efficiency (3) User Experience (4) System Preservation (9) Environment (0) Integrated Planning (0) Innovative Planning (4)
Comments:
Paperwork for users to sign up for transit services is lengthy, and this can be costly for agencies Decrease barriers of cross-regional transit, and simplify sign-up process in general Agencies sometimes pay for taxis to transport users between areas of service (service boundaries) Transit to rural areas continues to be a challenge Committee member had questions about the idea of an “information clearinghouse;” Mark mentioned that many organizations/regions have a mobility manager that serves this purpose This region relies heavily on “Google Transit” There is no one entity that organizes regional transit One committee member feels the use of funds to support a clearinghouse is wasteful; Mark clarified that the idea where mobility managers are used in other regions is to create a central coordinated function to prevent users having to navigate through multiple transportation service agencies “Travel trainers” are important for assisting users needing guidance in the actual utilization of the transit resource (example: assisting a young rider with autism) Committee members felt the list provided by Transpo for dot exercise was comprehensive and accurately reflects a full range of concerns “Statewide dialogue on Medicaid Brokerage Procedures” continues to be a challenge; committee feels it should remain in list of policies moving forward
Adam will update the 2014 list to reflect dot exercise preferences and feedback. Mark mentioned that priorities would be developed at the September meeting, as a recommendation to elected officials, which will ultimately assist with evaluating regional special needs transportation projects.
Roundtable and Feedback in Process So Far
Mark distributed handout featuring a timeline for “milestones” that must be reached for grant applications and the HSTP (now through December 2014). Timeline tasks are color coded to specify which agency is responsible for each task. Mark reviewed milestones listed on timeline.
There are two listening sessions in contract with Transpo. Mark requested committee inform him of events/venues that might serve as good listening locations. They recommended:
Project Homeless Connect, coordinated by Community Action Agency: event where homeless or those risking homelessness can get services (mobile dentist, Veterans service, ID cards, etc). Community Resources Network Senior Fair(s) Skagit Senior Day in the Park/Maiben Park, Burlington (August) Buddy Walk (Special Needs event, 300-500 people) Whidbey Island locations Check with Camano/Stanwood Family Resource Center to reach special needs/disabled families (contact: Christy Connors) Veterans organizations
Ridealongs will happen soon as another way to reach out to transportation system users. This may be coordinated in conjunction with some event dates listed above. Committee members suggested those conducting ridealongs contact individual agencies first to find out heaviest route times.
Additional comments:
Camano Island currently relies heavily on Snohomish County transit services; many commuters are going south from Stanwood to medical services at Providence.
Next Steps and Homework Assignment
1. Review survey and provide feedback so it can be finalized. Once finalized, it will be e-mailed to committee for distribution. 2. Please provide feedback by the end of the week (5pm, August 8) to [email protected].
Next Meeting
Wednesday, Sept. 10
Meeting ended at 11:35am Skagit-Island Special Needs Transportation Committee Meeting Summary SCOG Meeting Room — September 11, 2014, 10am
Present:
Doug Cox, Island County Carolyn Chase, Skagit Transit Elisa Delgado, Volunteers of America NS 211 Robert Gummere, Skagit Transit Mark Hamilton, SCOG Karla Jacks, Camano Center Monica Lopez, Opportunity Council Evan Olsen, WSDOT Adam Parast, Transpo Gabe Philips, SCOG Tara Satushek, Swinomish Indian Tribal Community Dee Wells, Island Transit
Meeting called to order at 10:05am
Welcome
Mark welcomed committee members to the 3rd Skagit-Island Special Needs Transportation Committee meeting.
Transportation Service Provider Inventory
Adam presented the findings from the inventory collection work that Transpo has been doing over the past month. He is documenting all public transit providers, including those based outside of the region such as Whatcom Transportation Authority and Community Transit, as well as other providers in the region. Skagit Transit provided 640,000 fixed route trips and 55,000 paratransit trips in 2013. Island Transit provided 1.1 million fixed route trips in 2013 and 64,000 paratransit trips.
Island Transit experienced severe service cuts beginning in September 2014. The Coordinated Public Transit-Human Services Transportation Plan (HSTP) will likely have a section describing the extent of these cuts due to their importance to public transportation regionally.
Adam described other human service providers in the region including services directed at seniors and other clients. Companies with private transportation services were also presented.
Needs and Gaps Assessment
Following the inventory, Adam described the work being done to identify human services transportation needs and gaps across the region. He noted the sources used in the needs and gaps assessment which included committee meetings, rider surveys, events, previous plans and other plans.
A draft needs index map was created by Transpo to show where the highest number and proportion of elderly persons, persons with disabilities, persons without a vehicle and persons in poverty live. Preliminary areas with the highest need, both by total number of persons and by proportion: east Skagit County, south Whidbey Island; and south Camano Island. Many other parts of Island County and west Skagit County also indicated a high need for human transportation services, based on the factors considered.
Karla mentioned that she thought the results were accurate based on her understanding of south Camano Island. She said transit service is limited to north Camano Island and many island residents catch Community Transit buses in Stanwood.
Mark noted at the end of the presentation that the needs assessment would continue and that we are still gathering information through surveys, community events and other outreach.
WSDOT Consolidated Grant Program
Mark gave an overview of the WSDOT consolidated grant program. The application materials were released in August and this is the first time that the committee has got to discuss them since then. The committee discussed several aspects of the grant program including the various grant funding available through the consolidated program, matching requirements and the relationship between the grant applications and the HSTP.
Tara mentioned that Swinomish applied for and received a grant in 2008, but that Skagit Transit offered the transportation services that the grant funded. Evan said that WSDOT consolidated grant program would allow that type of project as well where funding would actually go to a different agency than the applicant; that in return offers the services for the applicant.
Evan presented draft results for distribution of regional ranking allotments across the state. He said that the regional “letter grades” should be finalized soon, after a meeting of the state MPO-RTPO coordinating committee.
Finalizing Priorities for Implementation, Weighting Priorities and Recommendation
The committee reviewed the strategies that they had seen at their previous meeting, and were presented the results of an earlier weighting exercise that they did and was done at Skagit Senior Day in the Park.
The committee went through discussions to finalize the list of strategies and develop priority weights for each strategy. 15 strategies were settled-on for prioritization. These recommended strategies and weights were:
Recommended Priority Recommended Implementation Strategies Weights Preserve Existing Services: maintain or restore existing service levels and 20 vehicle fleet Expand Services: increase service levels 15 Increase User Knowledge: increase knowledge of available transportation 10 options to target users Address High Need Area: provide service to area scoring high in human 10 services transportation need index Improve Existing Service Timeliness: improve quality of timeliness of service 5 Utilize Existing Services: improve utilization of existing transportation 5 services Improve Regional Connections: improve cross-regional connections 5 Expand Driver Training: promote driver training to encourage 5 “compassionate professionalism” Improve Provider-User Coordination: improve coordination between transit 5 service providers, human services providers and users Utilize Technology: utilize technology to provide improved efficiency and 5 user access to mobility options Inform Users of Mobility Options: assist human service providers in guiding 5 users to the most efficient mobility options Improve Provider Regional Coordination: improve coordination between 5 transit service providers, human service providers and users Promote Innovation: promote innovative programs, processes and tools that 5 improve efficiency and reduce cost Promote Environmental Sustainability: promote environmentally 5 sustainable practices into state coordinated transportation planning and services Leverage Funding: further leverage available funding 5
The above strategies and weights were recommended by the committee to the Skagit sub-RTPO and Island sub-RTPO to evaluate regional human services transportation projects in Skagit and Island counties. Once approved, the strategies will be used as criteria to evaluate grant applications through a regional competitive process, the results of which will inform the prioritized project list of human services transportation projects for the region.
Roundtable and Feedback in Process So Far
Over 80 completed paper surveys were brought to the meeting and given to Mark. Mark said that the survey would close at the end of September so to continue to distribute the surveys until then. Paper surveys can be mailed, emailed or hand delivered to Mark, or brought to the next meeting on October 1st.
Robert mentioned that the Buddy Walk would be happening October 11th and would be a good chance to get further input into the planning process. Mark said he will contact the event organizer and that SCOG plans on participating, though it will be too late to survey as the survey will be closed. Mark mentioned that as with Project Homeless Connect, it would be better to streamline how we ask for input to tailor our approach to the intended audience at the events.
Mark mentioned that there will be two upcoming outreach opportunities in Island County. On Monday, September 15th, SCOG staff will be visiting several locations on Whidbey Island and on the next day, SCOG staff will be facilitating a focus group with Camano residents with disabilities.
Next Steps
Mark noted that the recommendation from today’s meeting would go to the Skagit sub-RTPO on September 17th and the Island sub-RTPO on September 24th. After criteria and weights are approved by decision-making bodies, SCOG anticipates issuing a Call for Projects shortly thereafter.
The committee agreed that a one-month window for the Call for Projects was reasonable. Mark said that right after the call closes; the committee will be sent all applications and be given about a week to evaluate them. A scoring sheet will be included for evaluation of each project. Applicants cannot score their own project(s).
Finally, Mark said that Transpo will be developing a first draft of the HSTP for committee review for their meeting on October 1st. The committee will be asked to review the draft prior to the public comment period.
Next Meeting
Wednesday, October 1st at 10:00 a.m.
Meeting ended at 11:45am Skagit-Island Special Needs Transportation Committee Meeting Summary SCOG Meeting Room — October 1, 2014, 10 am
Present:
Doug Cox, Island County Carolyn Chase, Skagit Transit Lynn Christofersen, Community Action Elisa Delgado, Volunteers of America North Sound 211 Coey Gilliland, Stillaguamish Tribe Robert Gummere, Skagit Transit Mark Hamilton, SCOG Aly Horry, Northwest Regional Council Karla Jacks, Camano Center Linda Madigan, Goodwill Adam Parast, Transpo Gabe Philips, SCOG Tara Satushek, Swinomish Indian Tribal Community Gail Selander, Volunteers of America North Sound 211 Marcy Smith, Skagit Transit Dee Wells, Island Transit
Meeting called to order at 10:00 am
Welcome
Mark welcomed committee members to the 4th Skagit-Island Special Needs Transportation Committee meeting. First time attendees to a committee meeting were Coey Gilliland, Lynn Christofersen and Linda Madigan.
Draft Coordinated Public Transit-Human Services Transportation Plan (HSTP)
Adam provided an overview of what has been done so far in preparing the HSTP. He went over an outline of the HSTP, highlighting key aspects of what each section will include. The survey and survey responses will be included in an appendix. Another appendix will include the prioritized list of projects for the region.
Adam provided a summary of the needs analysis, a more thorough version of which was presented at an earlier meeting. He also presented an updated needs index map which used proportion based (% of population special needs) and population based (total special needs persons) metrics. Age, income, disability status and access to a vehicle were used in the needs index map, with the top 25% of special needs persons identified as the highest need areas.
Emergency management and technology are two new sections in the HSTP that are required by the Agency Council on Coordinated Transportation (ACCT). Skagit County has an emergency management plan and an interlocal agreement between Skagit County and Skagit Transit to respond to emergency events. Island County has a disaster preparedness program and has developed scenarios of how response would occur if key bridges (SR-20 & SR 532) were closed.
Skagit County has an intelligent transportation systems (ITS) architecture document which includes technology employed or planned to improve the transportation system. Skagit Transit has several technologies used or planned to improve their transportation services. Island County does not have a similar ITS architecture, but Island Transit utilizes several ITS technologies, and plans security upgrades to park-and-ride lots and transfer stations.
Determining “Activities” for HSTP
The committee had already recommended draft strategies for the HSTP at their last meeting. Since then, Adam has prepared a list of activities to consider to implement those strategies. Nearly all the strategies had one or more draft activities associated with them, and Adam presented these to the group.
Mark told the committee to think about projects their organization might propose and ensure they felt comfortable that the activities accurately represented projects they are considering to implement the HSTP. He said now would be the time to suggest additions, if there are activities that should be included.
Adam noted there are three strategies that do not have activities directly associated with them.
The committee suggested the following: • Changing the wording of the first strategy. Mark mentioned that the strategies had already gone to the decision-makers so he would not recommend changing them at this point. There was already agreement among the decision-makers, at the sub-RTPO levels, with the strategy language. • Adding “planning” as an activity under the existing services strategy. Planning allows organizations to continue offering existing services. • Adding “voucher programs” as an activity under the utilizing existing services strategy. This type of activity would provide qualified persons free vouchers to use existing transportation services. • Adding “alternative fuel vehicles” under the environmental sustainability strategy. These vehicles could also reduce fleet emissions, but it should be clear that utilizing these types of vehicles is an activity that promotes environmental sustainability. • Add “additional stops” as an expanding services strategy. There are examples of areas, such as Exit 210 on Interstate 5, the site of a future economic development hub, where adding stops to existing transportation services may be warranted in the future. • Adding “improving existing facilities” under the appropriate strategy. An example was given whereby bus shelters could be added to an existing stop without shelters, but this type of improvement is not specifically identified in any activity. • Ensure that “activities” are identified as examples of activities and that the activities included are not all inclusive. There may be additional activities that implement the strategies.
Mark noted that activities will not always cleanly fit into only one strategy and there may be crossover from one activity to more than one strategy. For example, mobility managers could inform users of mobility options (one strategy) and improve provider-user coordination (another strategy). Projects that organizations propose as part of the regional ranking program may address many strategies in the plan.
Ongoing Implementation after HSTP Adoption
Mark provided a summary of the outreach done to-date as part of the planning process including at public events, at meetings, through surveys and a prioritization exercise. He also noted that there is an emphasis from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), which is new for this plan, to ensure that ongoing outreach and plan implementation continue after plan adoption. The HSTP is scheduled to be adopted in December 2014 and the contract with WSDOT runs through June 2015. The committee is created for calendar year 2014 only, as a Skagit-Island Regional Transportation Planning Organization advisory committee. Finally, Mark noted that SCOG has retained a public involvement consultant to assist with continuing HSTP outreach through June 2015, in whatever form it takes.
The committee presented several ideas for continuing outreach and coordination. These ideas, and examples of how coordination is done in other areas, are as follows:
• It is valuable to have a group to communicate with that conducts special needs transportation services. • We could have an online forum where we are kept abreast of ongoing efforts, as a committee, and to provide input and coordinate through this type of venue. • Other counties have mobility managers, which was discussed as an activity to be included in the HSTP today. It is these persons’ responsibilities to coordinate special needs transportation in their area and provide a linkage between different county/regional organizations that provide special needs transportation services. SCOG could work with this coordinator in some way. • Snohomish County has a mobility manager and a countywide group of special needs transportation service providers. This group meets monthly and just recently submitted a prioritized list of projects for the county to an executive committee for approval. • What is needed is a regional mobility manager that coordinates all the North Puget Sound counties, as regional connections are so important to special needs transportation. Currently, mobility managers tend to be county-specific or focus on areas even smaller than the county level (ex. King County has three). Mobilizing a regional perspective, through a regional mobility manager, would be quite an undertaking. • We could have an annual transportation forum. Information (surveys, other data) could be collected on a regular basis and it could be shared at this annual event. Participants could be similar to the ones on this committee. Getting more information out to the region can only be beneficial in coordinating our transportation services. • It is important to keep connected on a regular basis. Emerging issues can be addressed more quickly if there is regular contact between different transportation service providers.
Mark asked if there should be ongoing opportunities to connect with special needs persons directly, similar to what has been done as part of the planning process over the past couple months. He stated that he is hesitant to attend to many events presenting what has been done on the HSTP, and instead would like to do outreach that garners input that will inform the process in some way. This answer was received:
• Skagit Transit is always attending these types of events, notifying the public of transportation services offered and gathering input. Something similar could be done as part of HSTP ongoing outreach, gathering additional input and informing the public of services that are offered by a multitude of regional organizations.
Roundtable and Feedback on Process So Far
Mark discussed the upcoming Buddy Walk as an opportunity for public outreach, but a limited opportunity because the draft HSTP is being finalized and the essential information gathering stage has passed. Similar to the last agenda item, he would prefer to seek input, but as it is getting late in the planning process, opportunities for input appear to be much more limited.
The committee discussed the positives and negatives of attendance. There was no consensus as to whether or not SCOG staff should attend. Mark said he would think it over further based on what was said at the meeting, and talk again with the event coordinator before deciding on whether or not to attend.
Update and Next Steps
Mark noted that the survey has closed and the results have been analyzed by Transpo. Survey results will be included in the HSTP, as an appendix.
Mark provided an update on the evaluation criteria (strategies) and weights that were recommended by the committee to Skagit and Island sub-RTPO policy boards. The boards agreed on the strategies, but did not agree entirely on the weights assigned to each strategy. A final decision will be made at the full Skagit-Island Regional Transportation Planning Organization Policy Board meeting on October 15th.
Mark presented a timeline showing the major steps between issuance of the Call for Projects on September 29th and the next committee meeting on November 5th.
Mark said that the HSTP is being drafted currently by Transpo and a draft would be ready and distributed to the committee by October 15th at the latest. Any comments from the committee as Transpo develops the draft should be sent to Mark for consideration as the document is prepared.
Next Meeting
Wednesday, November 5th at 10:00 am
Meeting ended at 11:30 am Skagit-Island Special Needs Transportation Committee Meeting Summary SCOG Meeting Room — November 5, 2014, 10 am
Present:
Carolyn Chase, Skagit Transit Mark Hamilton, SCOG Aly Horry, Northwest Regional Council Jen Milton, Community Action of Skagit County Shirley Johnson Murray, Washington Vocational Evan Olsen, WSDOT Adam Parast, Transpo Gabe Philips, SCOG Nicholas Pinch, Island Transit Ken Riley, Island Transit Tara Satushek, Swinomish Indian Tribal Community Marcy Smith, Skagit Transit Dee Wells, Island Transit Bretta Williams, Washington Vocational
Meeting called to order at 10:00 am
Welcome
Mark welcomed committee members to the 5th and final Skagit-Island Special Needs Transportation Committee meeting. First time attendees to a committee meeting were Shirley Johnson Murray, Nicholas Pinch, Ken Riley, Jen Milton and Bretta Williams.
Evaluation of Regional Human Services Transportation Projects
Mark presented an overview of the process for ranking regional human services transportation projects in Skagit and Island counties. Skagit-Island has received letter grades from WSDOT to assign to projects, having received 5 A’s, 5 B’s and 4 C’s. A’s get an extra 50 points in the statewide competitive process, B’s get an extra 25 points and C’s get an extra 12 points.
There were seven projects submitted through the call for projects: three by Skagit Transit; one by Community Action of Skagit County; and three by Island Transit. Evaluators on the committee submitted evaluations of projects to Mark by 11/3, and did not score any projects they had submitted, if any. Seven of the organizations scored applications and submitted them to Mark.
Applications were evaluated based on 15 criteria, approved with weights by the SIRTPO Policy Board at their October 15, 2014 meeting. The maximum any project could receive was 120 points.
Representatives from Skagit Transit, Community Action and Island Transit described each of their applications submitted into the regional competitive process and answered questions committee members had regarding their applications.
The average total scores, ranking and letter grade recommended by the committee to the SIRTPO Policy Board are as follows:
Skagit Transit Projects
. #1 Expansion of Fixed Route Services in Sedro Woolley and Burlington o 66.33 average total score, ranked 2 of 7 o “A” letter grade
. #2 ADA Next Stop Announcement System o 59.33 average total score, ranked 5 of 7 o “B”* letter grade
. #3 Mobility Management Specialist o 61.83 average total score, ranked 3 of 7 o “A” letter grade
Community Action Project
. #1 Utilize Existing Services: Improve Utilization of Existing Transportation Services o 66.67 average total score, ranked 1 of 7 o “A” letter grade
Island Transit Projects
. #1 Five Medium Duty Cutaways and Five 7-8 Passenger Vans o 52.33 average total score, ranked 7 of 7 o “A”* letter grade
. #2 Preserve and Replace Capital Equipment and Bus Communications: 2 Bus Shelters; Paint Oak Harbor Transit Station; 10 Bus Surveillance Systems; 65 Tablets; 11 Rebuilt Engines; Alignment Machine o 52.47 average total score, ranked 6 of 7 o “B” letter grade
. #3 Specific Operating Assistance to Preserve Existing Service o 60.20 average total score, ranked 4 of 7 o “A” letter grade
*Note: Skagit Transit staff offered for their Project #2 to receive a B letter grade, even though it was ranked 5 of 7 in the process, so that Island Transit could receive an A letter grade for their Project #1 – noted by Island Transit staff as a very important need given their aging fleet.
Mark and Nicholas noted that Island Transit Project #3 was missing some financial information when the application was submitted to SCOG. The funding request to the state was excluded. The funding request is for approximately $1,400,000. The committee unanimously recommended including the project for consideration by the SIRTPO Policy Board even though the funding request was omitted from the application. The committee said the project should not be excluded from consideration due to missing financial information. The funding request amount for project applications was not considered by the evaluators when scoring the projects.
Coordinated Public Transit-Human Services Transportation Plan (HSTP)
Adam presented the final version of the HSTP to the committee. The committee recommended approval of the HSTP to the SIRTPO Policy Board. Mark said that the recommendation would go to the Skagit and Island sub-RTPOs in November and the full SIRTPO Policy Board in December. There will be a 14-day public comment period on the HSTP, beginning today.
Roundtable
The committee expressed their appreciation for the process and pleasure with the final product of the project prioritization and HSTP.
Carolyn said that what she thought were good projects didn’t seem to fit well with the criteria. Marcy noted that the high need areas map in the HSTP didn’t factor in low-income populations very well. She said there are areas in Anacortes that appear to have a very high need, but have much higher income than Sedro-Woolley, which doesn’t appear as a high need area on the map.
Dee expressed her appreciation for Skagit Transit taking a “B” on one of their projects so that an Island Transit project could receive an “A”. Ken seconded that.
Aly said that that she was involved with project prioritization in Skagit-Island and in Whatcom County, and she felt that the Skagit-Island process was much more robust.
Update and Final Steps
Mark noted that he attended the Skagit Buddy Walk in October to get some final input for the HSTP.
Mark stated that both recommendations from the committee would come to the Skagit and Island sub- RTPOs in November and to the full SIRTPO Policy Board in December.
Mark reminded organizations to submit project applications directly to WSDOT by November 19, 2014 and recommended coordinating with Evan leading up to that deadline to ensure that all application materials were complete before submittal.
Finally, Mark said that a public comment period for the HSTP would begin today, November 5, and continue for two weeks. The HSTP will be posted on SCOG’s website and public notice will be posted in newspapers in Skagit and Island counties.
Next Meeting
This was the last meeting of the Skagit-Island Special Needs Transportation Committee.
Meeting ended at 11:30 am Special Need Committee Response Agency Question Response Camano Center What do you hope to get out of More support and coverage area. the planning process? Who else should be involved and (Not answered.) how best to involve them?
Is your service targeted at a Our services are targeted at most special needs of the senior population. specific special needs population or specific trip type?
How many trips annually do you We do on average 40 Field trips a year. provide? What is your service area? Camano and Stanwood What kind of service do you We have services for folks to and from the Dr’s appointments done by volunteer medical drivers. provide? Prescription pickup and delivery services, also done by volunteers. Some of the volunteer drivers also deliver an average of 4800 meals on wheels per year. We also do Grocery deliveries for folks who cannot drive but need groceries and necessities We do have a bus that is ADA but at this time it is only used for trips. What is your general span of service? Monday- Friday 8am-8pm What is your agency's mission? The mission of Camano Senior and Community Center is to provide programs, activities, services and educational opportunities for seniors and the community of Camano Island. Trip origins and destination by location name or location (city, ZIP, GPS, other)? Trips vary from month to month. We go as far south as Seattle and as far north as Bellingham Describe your fleet makeup (number and type of vehicles in We have a bus that is wheel chair accessible, a minivan, pickup truck and a box truck fleet). Please describe your operators (paid, volunteer, training, etc.). We have 1 paid Fleet manager and we rely on the rest of our drivers as volunteers. Community Action What do you hope to get out of My goal would be to represent the interests of low-income community members for whom the planning process? transportation and mobility can often be barriers to economic success. Who else should be involved and I saw a lot of tribal communities but didn’t see the Swinomish. Other social service agencies might how best to involve them? include Goodwill, DSHS Community Service Office, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation; Compass Health and the Housing Authority of Skagit County. Is your service targeted at a Low-income community members that may include seniors and disabled. specific special needs population or specific trip type?
How many trips annually do you Through our Senior & Disabled Volunteer Services Program we provide about 300 volunteer provided provide? rides annually. We also purchase $14,767 worth of bus passes and distribute 656 bus passes for people receiving services through our East County Resource Center, Housing and Essential Needs Program, Housing, Critical Needs, Jail Transition and WorkFirst Programs. Additionally we’ve been promised free one day bus passes from SKAT to distribute to low-income community members and we expect to have those in our possession in January. We also provide 1,250+ gas vouchers per year to low-income community members so they can get to work and take care of other basic needs.
What is your service area? All of Skagit County and for a few services we work in the additional counties of Whatcom, Island, San Juan & Snohomish. The majority of clients originate from the Mount Vernon area, then Sedro- Woolley, Anacortes, Burlington, and other areas. What kind of service do you Bus passes, gas vouchers and volunteer provided rides to medical treatments. The vast majority of provide? destinations involve medical visits, then shopping, and other errands. Community Action provides volunteer transportation services through the Senior & Disabled Program. The majority of clients originate from the Mount Vernon area, then Sedro-Woolley, Anacortes, Burlington, and other areas. The vast majority of destinations involve medical visits, then shopping, and other errands. Geographically, most destinations are to Mount Vernon (including Skagit Valley Hospital and related clinics), the Burlington, Sedro-Woolley (including United General and related clinics), Anacortes (including Island Hospital and related clinics), Bellingham (including St. Joseph’s and related clinics), Stanwood, and Everett (including Providence and related clinics). Agency Question Response What is your general span of Our offices are open Monday – Friday from 8:30 to 5 (WIC open until 6:30 M-Th). Often demand service? outstrips supply especially the gas vouchers. Customers may only receive one Critical Needs voucher every six months and the funds are often exhausted by the second week of the month. Senior & Disabled persons receiving assistance with transportation may be served for an extended (months) period of time while they are undergoing prolonged medical treatments.
What is your agency's mission? Our mission is to foster and advocate for self-sufficiency among low-income people in Skagit County.
Trip origins and destination by Geographically, most destinations are to Mount Vernon (including Skagit Valley Hospital and related location name or location (city, clinics), the Burlington, Sedro-Woolley (including United General and related clinics), Anacortes ZIP, GPS, other)? (including Island Hospital and related clinics), Bellingham (including St. Joseph’s and related clinics), Stanwood, and Everett (including Providence and related clinics).
Describe your fleet makeup We have no fleet of vehicles. Volunteers use their own vehicles for Senior & Disabled Services. (number and type of vehicles in fleet). Please describe your operators Volunteer drivers. Volunteers may submit their mileage for reimbursement. (paid, volunteer, training, etc.).
Disabled American What do you hope to get out of Not sure at this time. Veterans the planning process?
Who else should be involved and Not yet. how best to involve them?
Is your service targeted at a Yes. specific special needs population or specific trip type?
How many trips annually do you We provide a van that goes to the VA hospital in Seattle 5 days a week. provide? What is your service area? We serve Oak Harbor, Mount Vernon, and points south What kind of service do you Fixed route provide? What is your general span of Monday - Friday, 6 a.m. until return. service? What is your agency's mission? To help our veterans in need. To help veterans, widows and children.
Trip origins and destination by Oak Harbor - Seattle VA medical center. location name or location (city, ZIP, GPS, other)? Describe your fleet makeup 1 8-passenger van. (number and type of vehicles in fleet). Please describe your operators Our van drivers are all volunteers. (paid, volunteer, training, etc.).
Island Transit What do you hope to get out of the planning process? Well, we hope to learn if there are any “gaps” in service that we are in a position to close. Who else should be involved and I would think that a representative from any of the most frequented origins and destinations for our how best to involve them? paratransit riders would have some type of input as they deal with our riders on a professional basis. DSHS, Senior Services, Compass Health, Service Alternatives, Opportunity Council, etc. These entities obviously have a better understanding of the life challenges that our riders face. I fear confidentiality may be an issue. Is your service targeted at a No, all are welcome. Our Mobility Training is for anyone who would like help riding the fixed route, specific special needs population transitional youth, or specific para riders who are able to transition to the fixed route from or specific trip type? paratransit. We do not prioritize our paratransit trips. Agency Question Response How many trips annually do you 2010: 623,338 Fixed-Route (6-1-2010 through 12-31-2010 only) and 26,180 Para-Transit provide? 2011: 1,062,055 Fixed-Route and 57,795 Para-Transit 2012: 1,097,886 Fixed-Route and 61,925 Para-Transit 2013: 1,090,643 Fixed-Route and 64,106 Para-Transit 2014: 552,660 Fixed-Route (1-1-2014 through 6-30-2014 only) and 31,988 Para-Transit
What is your service area? Island Transit services from the Clinton Ferry North to March’s Point. We also service Camano Island into Stanwood and Skagit Station. See attached maps and detailed explanation.
What kind of service do you Fixed Route, Paratransit, Route Deviation, Van Pool, Ride Matching Programs provide? What is your general span of Weekdays, our first Route starts at 3:45 am and ends at 8:15 pm. Saturdays, our earliest start time is service? 7:00 am and we run until 7:00 pm. We are closed on Sunday. What is your agency's mission? To provide a package of rider-sharing services which emphasizes rider use, safety, and satisfaction, and results in increased mobility opportunities, less dependence on the automobile, decreased traffic congestion, and improved air quality for all people in the service area, riders and non riders alike.
Trip origins and destination by See attached list by location name of our most frequented paratransit trip origin/destinations. location name or location (city, ZIP, GPS, other)? Describe your fleet makeup We have 15 paratransit specific buses. They are 22 feet and can seat 8 or a combination of (number and type of vehicles in ambulatory passengers and two wheelchairs. Lift capabilities from 800 to 1000 lbs. We have 19 Gilligs fleet). that are 35 or 40 feet long. We use these for our commuter runs as they hold 35 to 43 riders. Lift capabilities are limited to 600 lbs. We have 17 El Dorado buses that are 26 feet long. They can seat 21 riders and are used for both fixed route and paratransit. Lift capabilities are 800 lbs .We have 13 Internationals that are 29 feet long and carry 25-27 riders. Lift capabilities are 800 to 1000 lbs. We have 10 Chevys that are also 29 feet long and carry 23 riders. Lift capabilities are 800 lbs. We have 5 ARBOCs that are 23 feet long and carry 19 riders. These buses have ramps with 660 lb weight capacity. We have 87 vanpool vans and currently 68 are assigned and on the road.
Please describe your operators Our operators are paid, non-union employees. All new hires go through in-house CDL training even if (paid, volunteer, training, etc.). they already have their Commercial Driver's License. Our operators receive training in Customer Service/Internal Relations, Para & Wheelchair Securement, Managing Emergencies, and First Aid. Operators receive yearly evaluations and periodic refresher training as well.
Northwest What do you hope to get out of Share information about school district transportation and learn more about the need for special Educational the planning process? needs coordinated transportation. Assist as liaison where possible between districts and county Services District needs. #189 (NWESD) Who else should be involved and I would be happy to set up a meeting with Skagit and Island school district transportation how best to involve them? administrators. Each district will have it’s own level of interest in providing transportation outside of their student services. July is a bad month to get ahold of supervisors, August, second/third week and on is when they start returning for school startup.
Is your service targeted at a Students, ages 3 – 21, who require transportation as part of their individualized educational program, specific special needs population Section 501 and McKinney Vento public school students or specific trip type?
How many trips annually do you School year transportation is provided 180 days from Sept – June. For special programs: 190 per provide? day/ 34,200 yr What is your service area? Those have been provided. What kind of service do you Fixed route for public school children to and from school. provide? What is your general span of See maps. School districts primarily provide basic transport within district boundaries, however service? some special needs routes include destinations outside district boundaries. What is your agency's mission? Transportation of public school students to and from school and school related activities.
Trip origins and destination by Aproximately 80 locations. See attached. location name or location (city, ZIP, GPS, other)? Describe your fleet makeup That has been provided to you. (number and type of vehicles in fleet). Agency Question Response Please describe your operators Paid and unionized. (paid, volunteer, training, etc.).
Northwest Regional What do you hope to get out of The Northwest Regional Council would like to represent Medicaid clients, seniors, and adults with Council the planning process? disabilities living in Skagit and Island counties. An increase in public transportation services in rural areas of the counties would greatly reduce costs to Medicaid Transportation and would allow greater healthcare accessibility. Who else should be involved and Skagit and Island County both have a Volunteer Services program (run out of Opportunity Council how best to involve them? and Senior Services of Island County, respectively) that transports seniors and adults with disabilities to grocery stores, medical appointments, and other services. They are contractors with Northwest Regional but may be beneficial to hear from them directly.
Is your service targeted at a The Northwest Regional Council plans for and implements community-based care/supportive specific special needs population services for seniors, people who are low-income, and adults with disabilities in Skagit, Whatcom, or specific trip type? Island and San Juan counties. We provide case management for people needing long-term care and are a Medicaid Transportation broker for people on Medicaid (now Washington Apple Health).
How many trips annually do you Medicaid Transportation is contracted to provide an average of 177,000 trips per year. provide? What is your service area? The Northwest Regional Council serves people in Island, Skagit, Whatcom, and San Juan counties. Medicaid Transportation will transport clients to Medicaid paid appointments. We transport to the nearest provider of type so sometimes that means transporting to specialists in Seattle, Everett, etc. Occasionally we transport out of state if warranted. Sometimes trips originate from outside the four counties we serve but only for clients that have an address in our service area.
What kind of service do you The Northwest Regional Council contracts with vendors to provide Meals on Wheels and volunteer provide? chore services in the four local counties. Additionally Medicaid Transportation subcontracts with taxi and cabulance companies to provide transportation to medical appointments. We have agreements with area tribes to provide van services (i.e. Stillaguamish transfers clients from the Skagit bus station to Island Crossing Counseling six days a week). We reimburse for ferry tickets and mileage and can also provide gas vouchers and lodging if clients are unable to pay. Medicaid Transportation also provides bus passes to Medicaid clients that can use fixed route and paratransit services so that they can access Medicaid-paid appointments.
What is your general span of Services are generally provided M-F, 8am-5pm. Medicaid Transportation does operate a 24-hour service? dispatch in case clients have an emergency after hours and need to visit the ER/are discharged from the hospital. What is your agency's mission? The Northwest Regional Council will serve as the Area Agency on Aging and may organize and direct services and supports for people with disabilities in Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties. To fulfill this mission, the NWRC is to develop, foster, and advocate for a comprehensive and coordinated service delivery system response to the needs of older individuals and people served the by programs administered by the NWRC in Northwest Washington. The service system will promote the greatest degree of personal independence and dignity in a home environment for people capable of self care with appropriate services. The service system will also improve the quality of life by removing individual and social barriers to economic and personal independence.
Trip origins and destination by Transportation from/within/to Skagit, Whatcom, San Juan, Island Counties. All clients are residents of location name or location (city, these counties. We transport all over the state and out-of-state to medical appointments. We have ZIP, GPS, other)? to travel outside of the four counties if resources don’t exist locally.
Describe your fleet makeup 114 Ambulatory (vans, cabs) vehicles, and 28 Non-Ambulatory (paratransit, wheelchair vans, etc.) (number and type of vehicles in vehicles through the paid vendors listed below. The tribes invoice us for trips they provide, but we fleet). do not know how many vehicles they operate. Please describe your operators Combination of paid and volunteer: Paid vendors include: Beck & Call Concierge Services, Care E Me (paid, volunteer, training, etc.). Inc., Cascase Ambulance, City/Yellow Cab, City Paratransit, Birch Bay Taxi (dba Red Cab), Mercy Transporation, Safe Transportation, Sound Cabulance, Western Van Service. Volunteer: Senior Services of Island County provide volunteer drivers for our Island County residents.
Opportunity What do you hope to get out of As a transportation user as opposed to a provider, what I hope to get out of the process is a clear Council the planning process? understanding of how funding recommendations are made, provide input to inform those decisions as it relates to low-income households and in turn provide appropriate transportation information and opportunities to the clients we serve. Agency Question Response Who else should be involved and Based on the information regarding # of trips and where they went you have identified those others how best to involve them? who would be important partners: Whidbey General Hospital/Clinics, Senior Services of Island County and a Sno-Isle Library Representative. Is your service targeted at a The Island County Service Center primarily serves low-income/homeless households of all ages and specific special needs population all abilities. or specific trip type?
How many trips annually do you provide? N/A What is your service area? N/A What kind of service do you N/A provide? What is your general span of N/A service? What is your agency's mission? The Opportunity Council is a private, non-profit human service organization that acts as a catalyst for positive change, both in the community and in the lives of the people it serves. Trip origins and destination by N/A location name or location (city, ZIP, GPS, other)? Describe your fleet makeup N/A (number and type of vehicles in fleet). Please describe your operators N/A (paid, volunteer, training, etc.).
Skagit Transit What do you hope to get out of Skagit Transit hopes the planning process results in a HSTP with realistic goals and objectives (or the planning process? programs and projects) that can inform the way Skagit Transit plans for and operates ADA transit. One need is for objectives to be written broadly enough so that they can be applied to a range of similar scenarios for grant funding purposes. Also, Skagit Transit has learned a lot in the last few years about the provision of pocket service and flex routes designed to accommodate both ADA passengers and the general population. The challenges ST has faced in providing these services is creating a new focus on the provision of fixed route with ADA complementary service within ¾ miles.
Who else should be involved and No suggestions for additions. how best to involve them?
Is your service targeted at a Skagit Transit’s ADA Transit services are provided to individuals that have applied for the service. specific special needs population Services are for those individuals whose conditions and/or disabilities prevent them from using Skagit or specific trip type? Transit's regular fixed-route buses. Based on the review of an application for Dial-A-Ride service, an applicant may receive curb to curb service, curb to fixed-route service or fixed route service only (with training). Skagit Transit does not prioritize trips. Once approved for ADA transit services, a reservation can be made for any type of trip.
How many trips annually do you In 2013, Skagit Transit provided 55,204 Dial-A-Ride (ADA Transit) passenger trips. In 2013, our agency provide? provided 644,968 fixed route trips, 109,897 commuter bus trips, and 126,746 vanpool passenger trips. These are all reported as unlinked passenger trips (i.e. individual boardings).
What is your service area? With a few exceptions, Skagit Transit Provides ADA Transit services to eligible clients within ¾ of a mile of one of our fixed local routes. Skagit Transit is in the process of improving our mapping capabilities. Currently, all of our route maps are on the website at: http://www.skagittransit.org/routes/. What kind of service do you Skagit Transit provides fixed route service (local routes and commuter routes), a vanpool program, provide? and complementary ADA transit service (i.e. ADA service compliments local fixed routes by serving eligible clients within ¾ of a mile of a fixed route during those days and times the local fixed route operates). What is your general span of Service days and hours differ by route. Routes serving more populated areas including Mount Vernon service? and Burlington run Monday through Sunday with longer hours during weekdays and reduced hours on weekends. Roughly Monday through Friday 6 AM to 9 PM and Weekends roughly 8 AM to 6:15 PM. More rural routes may only have service Monday through Friday or Monday through Saturday service and times are generally shorter. Agency Question Response What is your agency's mission? To enhance the quality of life in our service area by excelling in the efficient and effective provision of safe, accessible, reliable and attractive public transportation services by courteous and professional employees. Trip origins and destination by Please see attached. location name or location (city, ZIP, GPS, other)? Describe your fleet makeup 68 Vanpool Vans, 21 Fixed Route (local) Buses (All are ADA Accessible), 29 ADA Transit Vehicles, and (number and type of vehicles in 7 Commuter Bus Coaches (All ADA Accessible) fleet). Please describe your operators Skagit Transit buses are operated by full- and part-time, paid employees that are union represented. (paid, volunteer, training, etc.).
Swinomish Indian What do you hope to get out of 1) Better understanding and identification of special transportation needs and gaps within the Tribal Community the planning process? Reservation community, and individuals who could benefit from such services; 2) Identification of resources and opportunities to fill special transportation needs and gaps. Who else should be involved and how best to involve them? No recommendations on this at this time.
Is your service targeted at a (The Tribe does not currently provide any transportation or transit services, so we did not complete specific special needs population the additional questions pertaining to providers.) or specific trip type?
How many trips annually do you N/A provide? What is your service area? N/A What kind of service do you N/A provide? What is your general span of N/A service? What is your agency's mission? N/A
Trip origins and destination by N/A location name or location (city, ZIP, GPS, other)? Describe your fleet makeup N/A (number and type of vehicles in fleet). Please describe your operators N/A (paid, volunteer, training, etc.).
Volunteers of What do you hope to get out of a. We hope to be considered as an integral part of the Special Needs Transportation System for America - North the planning process? Skagit and Island counties, and want to learn more about the upcoming call for projects and Sound 211 applications for grant processes. b. We also would like to learn about all the different transportation service providers and what populations are served by each provider.
Who else should be involved and how best to involve them? a. We have no suggestions at this point. The list provided looks comprehensive.
Is your service targeted at a a. No, the services Northsound 2-1-1 can offer would target all special needs populations and trip specific special needs population types. or specific trip type?
How many trips annually do you a. N/A. We are proposing to be the centralized access point for people to call and learn about all provide? available transportation types. And collect data that may be helpful to determine who is requesting transportation services. We can also provide follow-up to callers to determine who the transportation services met their needs. What is your service area? a. Our service area covers all of Skagit and Island county. Anyone from these counties can call and access Northsound 2-1-1. Northsound 2-1-1 is staffed with trained Information and Referral Specialists, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Agency Question Response What kind of service do you a. Northsound 2-1-1 is part of the Washington State 2-1-1 information and referral network. 2-1-1 is provide? an easy to remember phone number that connects people to a wide range of health and human services. 2-1-1 is a free and reliable service with the purpose of connecting people to community services. 2-1-1 is supported by a statewide community resources database (the most comprehensive and accurate of its kind). Trained Information & Referral Specialists are able to search through more than 16,000 services offered by 5,000 agencies to find the right resources for our callers. What is your general span of a. Northsound 2-1-1 is staffed by trained Information & Referral Specialists 24 hours a day, 7 days a service? week What is your agency's mission? a. The mission of Volunteers of America is to serve people and communities in need and create opportunities for people to experience the joy of serving others. Trip origins and destination by a. N/A. Northsound 2-1-1 has the ability to offer all available transportation types to people needing location name or location (city, access to special needs transportation in Skagit and Island counties ZIP, GPS, other)? Describe your fleet makeup a. N/A (number and type of vehicles in fleet). Please describe your operators a. Northsound 2-1-1 uses paid staff to answer all Northsound 2-1-1 calls. All staff go through a (paid, volunteer, training, etc.). rigorous training process before going live on the phones. Continuous training is provided to ensure all staff have the most up to date information and resources to meet caller’s needs.
WSDOT What do you hope to get out of I hope to come away with a HSTP that really embodies coordination and thoroughly discusses the the planning process? special needs of all populations in Skagit/Island counties. Further, I hope that any interested agency feels empowered to submit applications for the Consolidated Grant process. I also want to see a broader inclusion of special needs partners at the table discussing the needs of the two county area.
Who else should be involved and Other agencies that I might add are those that deal with fair housing issues since the connection how best to involve them? between transportation and low-income housing can often have barriers. Appendix B - Input from Listening Sessions and Ride-Along Surveys Skagit-Island Special Needs Transportation Committee
Skagit Senior Day in the Park, 8/14/14
Survey/Public Response Results
Event scheduled from 10am-2pm; fairly empty by 1pm Paper surveys collected & entered: 11 Additional surveys distributed: roughly 50 Respondents to the dot exercise: 21 (63 dots) Estimated public interaction: 110 individuals
Comments from event participants:
• The wording on the dot exercise is too sophisticated—I don’t understand it. • I don’t want to fill out this survey, “it’s too long”/”I can’t read small print.” • I appreciate Dial-A-Ride; it’s my primary means of getting around. • I’m grateful that Island Transit is fare-free. • I live alone, clear up near Timber Lake at Hwy 20, a mile from the Figure 1: results of prioritization exercise at event nearest service, have to get a friend to drive me to the bus stop. I wish there was more service off the scheduled route. • SKAT only comes to Marblemount once a week—I have no car and this is my only way to get around! • Often when I get on the bus, I’m the only one on it—why aren’t more people using the bus? • Sometimes I see three busses pass, one right after the other. That’s a waste of money. Can’t they consolidate stops? • I feel the bus schedule is designed for commuters, not retired people. • I ride the bus the equivalent of 2-3 thousand miles per year, between Whatcom and Skagit counties, it’s an excellent resource. • My mother is 101 years old, and it’s too hard to get her ready for a scheduled service—she’s always late. So we drive her everywhere. • Retired pastor in La Conner commented that he wishes there was Sunday service to La Conner. • Samish River Park—transit stop is too far away. • There is a large group of seniors on Samish Island who need transit, but there is no longer service there! • I’m blind—is there a transportation service I can use, or do I have to have someone ride with me every time? • I want to thank the railroad companies for keeping the trains on side tracks around noon, so we (seniors) can make it to the senior centers between 11am-1pm in Mount Vernon. This is a sincere thank you!
-Notes by Liz Theaker, SCOG intern
Skagit-Island Special Needs Transportation Committee
Oak Harbor Senior Center Outreach, 9/5/14
Total number of seniors who commented on the public transportation system: 24
Senior Center comments; those not in quotes are paraphrased.
Female, disabled senior
She lives below the poverty level and has been riding Paratransit since 2005. “I would be lost without Paratransit.” She has no driver’s license and no vehicle. Feels Island Transit/Paratransit are “very clear” on how to sign up and use the system—she places a phone call, and there are prompts after that for scheduling. Recalls the customer service from when she first signed up; a representative came to her home to do an interview. She now has a laminated photo ID card for Paratransit, which she appreciates. She talked at length about her gratitude for the kindness and familiarity of the Island Transit drivers.
She sometimes sees younger people using the buses, including some with mental and physical disabilities who receive transport to and from Oak Harbor schools. “Paratransit is my family, just like the staff here is my family.” She remarked on the courtesy of the drivers, who will also carry items to the rider’s door if they need help. She said a Paratransit driver visited her in the hospital last year, and that meant a great deal to her.
Female, senior with glaucoma
“Paratransit is a necessity.” The system is on time, but sometimes comes too early. There is often a long span of time to wait for the return ride; in excess of two hours. She walks 1.5 miles to the bus stop, but can’t walk uphill so they drop her off at her home. Her most frequent trip is to medical appointments. She expects Island Transit to be conservative with funds and feels the system is abused by those not needing what she calls “necessary” services—hair appointments vs. medical appointments, etc. She feels it should be preserved for those riders who need it for more critical purposes. She also feels Island Transit needs to bring back Saturday service. “The senior population is growing, and they (are willing to) pay to ride.”
Male, disabled senior
“The money (at Island Transit) is going to the fancy offices. There’s a misappropriation of funds. They need to can a few people at the top.”
Female, senior with macular degeneration
Can no longer drive; says Paratransit is “great.” If not for Paratransit, she would have to sit home five days per week. She mostly uses the system to access social activities like the Senior Center luncheons and gatherings, and eats at the Senior Center 3 days per week ($4 per meal). Her son lives nearby and is able to take her to most medical appointments, but he works full time and this is inconvenient. Reiterates that she would be “stuck at home” were it not for Paratransit.
Male, disabled senior, 28-year Army veteran
Paratransit should be improved, especially on the Southern part of Whidbey Island—they lack (adequate) service. “Take the politics out of it, and get back to basics.” Island and Skagit Transit need to partner with the “Metra.” He needs to get to King County’s VA hospital, but the Disabled American Veterans van goes the hard way up and around Whidbey Island and it takes too long and leaves too early in the morning. Feels Island Transit is especially useful because it’s free, but they should install a “token box” if they can’t afford to keep the current services. “Charge money!”
Male, senior
“I got rid of my car when I moved here from Houston. The public transit system is cheaper than having a car, paying insurance, et cetera. I use them mostly to get to my medical appointments in Coupeville. I hardly need a car.”
Male, senior
“I’m very impressed with Paratransit. The drivers are very friendly, and I’ve been riding since 2005. In all that time, I’ve only seen one driver act like he had a bad day.” Feels that increased public transportation leads to more jobs and higher employment.
Male and female, senior spouses
“There is a lack of coordination between transit agencies and ferry system—this leads to hostility.” His ferry was once late by 15 minutes, and he missed the last bus and was left at the ferry dock. Luckily he had a friend who could give him a ride from Clinton ferry to Oak Harbor. Feels strongly that late ferries should coordinate with transit system so no one is left without a ride.
“Some people are trying to end the fee bus system altogether because they think it’s socialist that everyone pays and only some use it.” He and his wife would be happy to pay additional taxes to keep it going. Tax cuts are damaging; “taxes run the country.” Island Transit needs sustainable funding plan—not “mismanagement.”
The schedule of the buses doesn’t fit peoples’ needs. “Why does the bus run at 8:30am instead of 7:30am?” People could get to work; they could have two buses coming on and off Whidbey Island every morning. “Instead, we see hundreds of cars.”
-Notes by Liz Theaker, SCOG intern. Samish Tribal Transit Plan – Community Meeting Meeting Minutes
Date: Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Location: Samish Administration Building
Participants: Carolyn St. James, Eunice Thomas, Samara Thomas, Sally Barrett, Julie Pederson, Charlotte Auclair, Becky Bendixen, George Adams, Leslie Eastwood, Larry Thomas Jr.
The meeting began with a PowerPoint presentation summarizing the purpose, process, and preliminary activities of the Samish Tribal Transit Plan. Topics included:
o Background information on project o Summary of area transit providers / resources o Skagit Transit o Island Transit o Ferry System o Current transit service options to Tribal facilities o Samish department‐based transit services o Process for gathering stakeholder input o Community survey results o Transit challenges in the Anacortes area
Participants were asked to share their thoughts on area transit needs. Discussion items from the audience are summarized below:
There are a limited number of Samish members living in Anacortes, and their homes are widely spread throughout the area. This creates challenges when planning transit routes. Tribal members would likely use transit for health care appointments (particularly for appointments in Mt. Vernon). There is not enough awareness of Paratransit among Samish community members. Many Tribal members require transit to attend cultural events, particularly during evening hours. The Elders program offers weekly art and cultural activities at the Samish Administration building. The new Elders bus is used for transporting participants. The Tribe needs additional drivers with CDL licenses. The lack of qualified drivers has hindered the Tribe’s ability to provide transportation for Tribal members in the past. Tribal members are frustrated by traffic congestion due to light synchronization issues extending from Burlington to Anacortes. There are 8‐10 traffic lights – cars often must stop at every light. This may impact transit times. The “stacking lane” for cars waiting to board the ferry becomes backed‐up and blocks traffic.
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Samish Tribal Transit Plan – Community Meeting Meeting Minutes
Tribal members recall that D Street was once served by a fixed bus route (years ago). It is unclear why this service was discontinued. Tribally‐provided carpool / vanpool options are needed. One group of staff members carpools regularly from Bellingham. Priuses might be a good option. The Fidalgo Bay RV Park is not currently served by an existing bus stop. Although SKAT Route 410 passes near Fidalgo Bay, the bus stays on Highway 20 and does not stop at the RV park. Cultural events such as Camp Samish would benefit from the availability of transit. Expanded transit options are needed to the local islands (e.g. Guemes Island and Lopez Island). The Tribe should explore partnership opportunities with area transit providers. For example, consider an arrangement where the Tribe owns a vehicle, but leases it back to a transit provider – they maintain the vehicle, but the Tribe can use it when needed. In addition to the new Elders bus, the Tribe owns a smart car (new), van (old), and Ford Ranger (old). Additional transit options are needed connecting Anacortes to surrounding cities – direct, streamlined service options. The Bellingham‐to‐Anacortes commute via bus is 90 minutes each way. The cost of transit is an obstacle for some HHS clients. The Samish Tribe should have more meaningful input on area transit services. Transit extends within the Tribe’s ancestral land and natural resources. The Tribe should be a vested partner in regional transit decisions. Samish members should copy legislators when sending comments related to transit needs. Clearer communication is needed regarding existing regional transit options. Transit providers increasingly use their websites as their primary communication tool. Some of the groups with the greatest transit needs (e.g. elders, low‐income) may not have Internet access. Skagit Transit employs a Travel Trainer – the Tribe may request that she attend a future Elders luncheon and give a presentation on Skagit Transit’s various options (e.g. fixed, deviated‐fixed, pocket, paratransit, on‐demand/DAR, vanpool, etc.).
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Skagit-Island Special Needs Transportation Committee
“Out and About: Persons with Disabilities” Support Group Focus Group Meeting and Follow-up Comments, 9-10-14
Burlington Library
Total number of participants was 11, 10 of which were physically or developmentally disabled. Three members were confined to wheelchairs. One participant was not disabled but is the full-time caregiver to her disabled adult son.
Group Comments:
Evening events are difficult for persons with disabilities who use public transportation because the bus schedule ends too early for night return.
Inter-county transit continues to be a challenge. One member mentioned the ORCAS card in the Pierce/Snohomish/King County area; this one card is rechargeable and universal throughout the counties. It would be nice if there was a similar system in Skagit/Island/Whatcom counties.
A WA state bill was passed a few years ago with the purpose of bringing together the various Special Needs groups in the state, along with the transit services so that everyone could “sit at the same table.” Group is called Agency Council on Coordinated Transportation, or ACCT.
Would like to see more interaction between entities across the state so that once central conversation about special needs transit can happen more efficiently.
Group discussed various recreational activities they would like to do together; for every suggestion (art museum, island trip, festivals) there was a conversation on whether or not there was bus service/paratransit/Dial-A-Ride service to the area and when the bus/transit service returned.
Group wondered if Skagit Transit could provide a van for them to travel from Burlington to a festival in Bellingham, as most are physically disabled and would require ADA accessible vehicle service.
The following comments were later sent to SCOG by Shawn Latham, Peer Group Coordinator for the Center for Independence North Sound:
“I am very interested in helping my participants from the Center get adequate transportation. I myself have a van but most people with disabilities don’t have the luxury. The top 4 concerns I see are:
1. No evening service, which makes night event impossible since they can get dropped off but not picked up from events.
2. It would be nice if more transportation systems work together. All of the Sound counties had the Orca Card which helps us go from one county to another. It would be great if Skagit/Island added it https://www.orcacard.com/ERG-Seattle/p1_001.do 3. On the same note it seems like using dial a ride/shuttle/Para transit are hard when you have to use two or more shuttles to go from county to county. It can take a whole day to get there. Not sure what to do other than have all the agencies have contestant communication to help with this.
4. On my wish list and I do realize these would take more money is: more bus routes since most in Skagit are only main roads and to shorten the 7 day reservation period just to get a dial a ride bus. One consumer told me they have to call in 7 days exactly no earlier or later to get a ride.”
-Notes by Liz Theaker, SCOG intern
Skagit-Island Special Needs Transportation Committee
Skagit Project Homeless Connect, 9/11/14
Total number of participants who commented on the public transportation system: 52
Comments:
Male, homeless
Skagit Transit used to be free, but they started charging. Some people don’t have a dollar or even fifty cents to ride. Why can’t they add it (the fare) to property taxes? Do you know how many people in Skagit own homes and pay property taxes?
Female, disabled
I use Paratransit, and I like it. I’m having heart issues, so I’ll need it even more in the future. I can’t stand for an hour waiting for the bus when I have heart issues.
I try calling the Mobile Food Express, which was turned over from Community Action to the Food Bank in Mount Vernon. Since then, nobody calls back! They need to notify the public if the service has ended. I call for a meal, and they don’t show up until two days later—and then the meal is small.
Male, homeless
More service is needed in Skagit County.
Female, senior, homeless, disabled
Route 300 to Sedro-Woolley needs to run more often—every half hour instead of every hour. We appreciate free transit on Skagit Project Homeless Connect days!
Male and female, both disabled
My wife is disabled and gets a free bus pass, and I get a monthly pass for $12.50. It’s how she gets around to her medical appointments. We’re happy with the service and the cost, and the drivers are very friendly.
Male, homeless, disabled
(When asked if he uses public transportation) I live in my van, so it’s easier for me to get around that way. But sometimes I don’t have gas money.
Female, Hispanic, ESL
I walk. The bus doesn’t go where I need to go, and it’s too far away.
Female, homeless
I’ve got a car, and the (Skagit) bus is too expensive. Female, homeless
I would use it (the bus) more if it was cheaper.
Female, disabled, senior
I don’t trust the driver safety. I rode a bus and the driver ran a red light.
Female, disabled, senior
I use SKAT and County Commuter—I’m very happy with the service.
Couple, homeless
The bus system is perfect! But they changed routes from March’s Point. That makes me sad.
Female, homeless, disabled
I use Dial-A-Ride, but the wait times are a bit long, especially after a doctor’s appointment when you’re not feeling good. Waiting 1-1 ½ hours is aggravating after my mental health appointment.
Female, disabled
I drive—I don’t walk well, and it’s easier to drive. I have appointments in Island County and have to deal with County Commuter. Doesn’t Dial-A-Ride take me from the county line to my doctor in Anacortes? Why isn’t Island Transit here (at the event)?
Male and female
We need more stops further East on College Way—there are bus stops, but no bus comes! If a bus came further out on College Way, I would go to work on the bus every day. And they’re always late.
Female
Expand the hours, especially on the weekends! It’s hard to keep a job. I have to come in to work too early, and then I need the bus until 9 or 10pm. Otherwise I have to take the Greyhound and that’s expensive. My only other choice is the train, and that’s too expensive.
Female, senior, disabled
We need more cross-county transit—life goes on beyond Skagit County! If you want good quality medical care, you have to go outside of Skagit County because the good doctors in Skagit County aren’t taking any more patients.
Female, senior, disabled
If I don’t have money for a cab after I go to Urgent Care, I end up having to stay in the Emergency Room overnight until the first bus runs in the morning.
Female, disabled
I’m scared of the bus. I have mental illness, and my provider is in Bellingham. I would have to wait for hours. We need more Medicare providers.
Female, addiction recovery advocate All bus drivers should carry Narcan. My son was an addict, he was stranded, and what did he do all night? He rode the bus. If someone overdoses on a bus they only have a few minutes.
Female
The drivers aren’t safe. Once on College Way, I was forced into oncoming traffic by a Skagit Transit bus that was merging into my lane. His blinker was on, but I was in the middle of the bus with my car and I had nowhere to go. I know he saw me, and he knows I saw him. He merged anyway.
Male and Female, married
The bus needs to run more often. We’re a 1-car family. There are too few runs to Anacortes. I wish Skagit Transit was free like Island Transit. I lived near Concrete, and the bus runs were so early and so late in the day that my husband couldn’t get a job for many months.
Male, homeless
We need more service to Bellingham, especially on Sunday. I have kids in Bellingham, but I can’t see them as much as I want.
Female, homeless living in shelter
I’m a single mom and I have four kids—the bus doesn’t work for me. (Was also grateful that Island Transit was free.)
Male, homeless
I use Skagit Transit. It meets all my needs.
Two males, homeless
We get ONE bus to Marblemount! Do you know why? It’s because they can’t make money on it. There used to be more service, but at the council meeting they took the daily bus away. Nobody on the council even uses the bus. Do you think any of us were there? No. Marblemount lacks representation. The transit services should be run by Commissioners only, because the Mayors will favor their city. Island Transit is free. Someone in Marblemount who wants to shop in Burlington only gets ½ hour before the bus leaves again. There is a “west” and “east” Skagit County, and the east has no representation.
Female, disabled, senior
Uses Dial-A-Ride; working on getting the “return time” down because it’s not always easy to identify the return time.
Male and female, both disabled seniors
I use the SKAT bus but I want to use Dial-A-Ride and the questions about qualifying are too confusing. My husband will go through cancer treatment soon so we’ll need to sign up for Dial-A-Ride.
Staff member at Community Action Agency
My clients often don’t know how to ride the bus or they don’t understand the system. Why don’t we have T.V. commercials? Everyone watches T.V. The main reason clients miss their appointments, including medical and opportunities to get free food and services, is lack of transportation.
Replies translated from Spanish (4): • I use the bus because it’s cheap. • I use the bus because sometimes I don’t have anyone to take me to where I need to go. I wish it passed by more often—every 30 minutes • I use the bus; the drivers drive well. We need more frequent routes; around 15 minutes apart. • I use the bus sometimes. Sometimes I don’t have a car and transportation is very important. The bus system needs more routes. The times that I’ve used the bus everything has gone well.
-Notes by Liz Theaker, SCOG intern Skagit-Island Special Needs Transportation Committee
Stanwood-Camano Community Center Focus Group Meeting, 9/16/14
Total number in group: 7, including Shirley Johnson-Murray of Washington Vocational Services and members of Camano/Stanwood Aktion Club
Comments & Notes:
• Shirley gave overview of Aktion Club, which services adults with disabilities and also supports a kid’s Aktion Club which functions as a service group. Both are supported by the local Kiwanis group. • The public transit overlap between Skagit, Island, and Snohomish counties is significant. Many of Shirley’s Developmentally Disabled (DD) clients take the bus to the doctors, to social security office, Coupeville (Island County seat), and shopping. Camano/Stanwood is a difficult area to place DD persons in jobs; there’s a large pool of workers but limited jobs. People are forced to go north or south to find jobs. The bus that runs from Camano Island to Oak Harbor is often pretty full. The Park & Ride at I-5 is always packed; Camano Transit needs to go to that Park & Ride. • Washington Vocational Services works hard to get DD people jobs, and then they can’t get there. • Island Transit is a huge part of our lives (in Stanwood/Camano). It gives an opportunity for people to get out of the area and into other regions. • So many individuals need the transit system for dialysis. • People will often continue to drive, even without their driver’s license or car insurance because they have to get to medical appointments. They might be racking up $5,000, $8,000 in fines, but they have no other options. • When Shirley is getting jobs for DD clients, they have to have some means of transportation—it has to be reliable and consistent. Some days we’re beating our heads against the wall. Transportation is key—it has to be the #1 priority. We are constantly looking for solutions. • The Stillaguamish Tribe provides some transportation service on Camano Island—it’s free for anybody. • Both senior centers (Camano and Stanwood) are major hubs for our community. • One participant has a disabled and her life revolves around him. She gets him to work, to his volunteer job—and everywhere he needs to go. The DD community is seeking independence, but transportation is key. Transporting disabled family members around is extremely time-consuming for family members/care givers. • One participant is blind and lives on Camano Island, uses Paratransit for many things including a volunteer position with the local elementary school. He’s working on developing a self-employed business as a motivational speaker, but he will need transportation to reach speaking engagements and the bus service ends too early. • One participant is a physically and developmentally disabled senior. He uses Paratransit to reach art classes and social events at the Camano Center as well as his doctor’s appointments. • Paratransit is fantastic; the Island County dispatches on Camano Island are amazing human beings. They go above and beyond to give exemplary service. • Island Transit “cuts off” the southern tip of Camano Island. Do those people need services? They might need a survey of that area. The cheaper homes are on the south end, and there’s also an elementary school there. • The hub at Terry’s Corner is very efficient and located near the new library. • Many seniors are using the bus to get to events and luncheons. • Timely connections are important; someone could spend an entire day getting where they need to be. It’s especially difficult for medical appointments. People have ended up at the hospital on an emergency room trip, stuck with no way to get home. • Staff/supervisors of regional service organizations sometimes take it upon themselves to provide transportation with their personal vehicle or deviate from scheduled routes when seniors are in emergency situations and stranded. Examples included staff at the table and Paratransit on Camano. • The Island Transit constituents on Camano are incredible people—we need more service and more connections. • Island Transit is becoming a political football. The local paper is one-sided. They don’t take the bus or live in the community, so they should just “butt out.”
-Notes by Liz Theaker, SCOG intern Skagit-Island Special Needs Transportation Committee
Skagit County Buddy Walk, 10-11-14
Bakerview Park, Mount Vernon
Total number of participants providing input: 28
Background:
• The Buddy Walk is held every year across the country to raise awareness for persons with Down Syndrome • One of the populations targeted through the coordinated public transit-human services transportation plan (HSTP) planning process are persons with disabilities • This year’s Buddy Walk in Skagit County attracted approximately 250 participants.
Input Received: Figure 1: Buddies on the Buddy Walk
• An exercise was presented asking participants where the most important place they need to get to is • 28 pins were placed on the map – all but 7 of which were in the Mount Vernon and Burlington areas • Work/school was the most popular destination with 11, the other three (Shopping, Medical, Other) were nearly equal • All of the Shopping and Medical pins were placed in the Mount Vernon and Burlington areas, except one Figure 2: Mapping Exercise • Four of the Other pins were placed outside of Mount Vernon and Burlington, near Sedro-Woolley and by the Skagit Casino • Two Work/school pins were placed near Anacortes.
Figure 3: Close-up of Mapping Exercise
• A We Want to Hear From You comment validation exercise was provided to validate comments received at previous events or through other forms of input • Participants were asked to mark a “” if the agreed with a comment and a “” if they disagreed • The results are listed below:
Specific Paratransit or Dial-a-ride Quotes
We need “more service on the weekends, more buses and longer hours” – 8 agree
For paratransit, ”I love the drivers. They are so helpful. I am so grateful” – 6 agree
What I like best about paratransit is “the convenience of being able to get to and from where I need to” – 7 agree Figure 4: Comment Validation Exercise
What I like best about paratransit is “being able to go to work” – 4 agree
Not having paratransit would “impact meeting my medical and social needs” – 7 agree
“I have less anxiety about riding paratransit, then fixed route” – 1 agree, 1 disagree
“Paratransit is a wonderful service. Thank you” – 4 agree
General Quotes
Persons with developmental disabilities “have to have some means of transportation, it has to be reliable and consistent”- 9 agree
“Timely [transit] connections are important; someone could spend the entire day getting to where they need to be” – 8 agree
“Bus service ends too early” – 4 agree, 2 disagree
Persons with developmental disabilities work hard to get jobs “and then they can’t get there” due to transportation – 7 agree
“Evening events are difficult for persons with disabilities who use public transportation because the bus schedule ends too early for night return” – 5 agree, 1 disagree
“It would be nice if more transportation systems work together. All of the Sound counties have the Orca Card which helps people go from one county to another” – 4 agree, 1 disagree
“They do a great job at Skagit Transit” – 7 agree
Additional Comments Received:
1. Skagit Transit really does have great drivers! 2. My son uses paratransit to get from our home in Sedro-Woolley to his job at McDonald’s in Burlington. He takes the bus to Burlington Boulevard, but it is dangerous walking from the bus stop along SR 20 to McDonald’s. 3. Medicaid transportation services can be difficult for families to use as they will only transport the patient and not the rest of the family. A family I know does not use Medicaid transportation services and misses medical appointments because the family is headed by a single mother with three special needs children, and they cannot all ride the bus together. 4. Cuts to transit service between Mount Vernon and Oak Harbor have made it much harder to get from Oak Harbor to medical appointments in Mount Vernon for one of my family members. She can’t go after school, because after her medical appointment, it would be too late for her to catch the bus back home. 5. I’m 80 and drive myself. In 10 years I may not be able to drive anymore. At that point, I may have to use transit, but it is confusing to me now (how to pay, where routes go, etc.). 6. We need more transit service on 30th and Martin streets in Mount Vernon. 7. It would be great to have an early bus run to La Conner where I teach. Thank you!
-Notes by Mark Hamilton, SCOG Transportation Planner Ride Along Survey Results
Coming from: Mt. Vernon Hospital Mt. Vernon Hospital Mt. Vernon (Alpine Ridge) Mt. Vernon (Burger King) Mt. Vernon (DSHS) Mt. Vernon (home) Burlington (Ovenells) Burlington (Ovenells) Sedro-Woolley Sedro-Woolley Burlington Anacortes Anacortes
Going to: Mt. Vernon Mt. Vernon (Williams Way) Mt. Vernon (Would care center(Wood?)) Bow (home) Mt. Vernon (home) Burlington (physical therapy) Mt. Vernon (Compass Health) Mt. Vernon (Compass Health) Sedro-Woolley Mt Vernon Sedro-Woolley Anacortes Anacortes
Issues getting to and from the bus? No 111111 Yes 11
Comment: Quite a walk from my drop off to my apartment Out of service area so relative has to meet at connection point and take home
Issues accessing locations they need to go on the bus No 11111 Yes 111
Comment: Out of the service area Stanwood Would like to go to Samish Island Doesn’t go to Sedro anymore so can’t visit family Couldn’t get schedule times
What 2 things would you change about the paratranist service? Not a thing, better than Dart Nothing More service on the weekends more buses and longer hours. Bus rides take too long, sometimes. Would like the drivers to give me their names when they get on. I am blind and don’t always recognize their voices. I don’t like having to call each week to go to the same places. I call two times everyday. Calls twice a day – for times and to make appointment. Works 5 days a week. Would be good if they could wait if I just need to run in and pay a bill or mail a letter Nothing really “fits just right” Likes the service Better access to schedule Would like bus shelter More buses. Quicker times Drivers would call when outside when it’s cold. Better access to schedules Couldn’t get appoint a few times when calling days in advance Don’t like it when times change. Waited outside for a long time once. Easier way to schedule appointments. Confusing. Hard to schedule – calling 7 days in advance. More space available on buses. Scheduling 7 days in advance is hard. Better scheduling system
What do you like best about paratransit service? Wonderful drivers, wonderful schedulers, everyone is helpful Drivers are fantastic. Never had a bad ride Can go fun places like to the movies and shopping The drivers The drivers. Very helpful. Very clean vehicles and consistent. Everything is in same place which is great because I cannot see. The drivers are awesome Riding around and seeing scenery in comfort and safety. Drivers are helpful and considerate. Drivers are good and go the speed limit Convenience Getting out without having to rely on others for rides Freedom Gets me there
Anything else we should know about our service? No I don’t like when other passengers complain, on the bus, about the service More drivers on the weekends because I cannot to too early to church with kids. I love that rides don’t take too long. Love the schedulers. The whole program is awesome Likes the arm rests. Don’t like answering these questions. Drivers are nice Gets to have a job because of it. (mentioned a few times throughout surveys) Get to work Appendix C - Comment and Findings Tracking Sheet Comment and Findings Tracking Sheet Source Comment/Finding Unmet Need Oak Harbor Senior Center She lives below the poverty level and has been riding Paratransit since 2005. “I would be lost without Paratransit.” She has no driver’s license and no vehicle. Feels Island Transit/Paratransit are “very clear” on how to sign up and use the system—she places a Captured - Maintain phone call, and there are prompts after that for scheduling. Recalls the customer service service levels from when she first signed up; a representative came to her home to do an interview. She now has a laminated photo ID card for Paratransit, which she appreciates. She talked at length about her gratitude for the kindness and familiarity of the Island Transit drivers.
She sometimes sees younger people using the buses, including some with mental and physical disabilities who receive transport to and from Oak Harbor schools. “Paratransit is my Noted family, just like the staff here is my family.” She remarked on the courtesy of the drivers, who will also carry items to the rider’s door if they need help. She said a Paratransit driver visited her in the hospital last year, and that meant a great deal to her.
“Paratransit is a necessity.” The system is on time, but sometimes comes too early. There is often a long span of time to wait for the return ride; in excess of two hours. She walks 1.5 miles to the bus stop, but can’t walk uphill so they drop her off at her home. Her most frequent trip is to medical appointments. She expects Island Transit to be conservative with Captured - Scheduling of funds and feels the system is abused by those not needing what she calls “necessary” service services—hair appointments vs. medical appointments, etc. She feels it should be preserved for those riders who need it for more critical purposes. She also feels Island Transit needs to bring back Saturday service. “The senior population is growing, and they (are willing to) pay to ride.” “The money (at Island Transit) is going to the fancy offices. There’s a misappropriation of Noted funds. They need to can a few people at the top.” Can no longer drive; says Paratransit is “great.” If not for Paratransit, she would have to sit home five days per week. She mostly uses the system to access social activities like the Senior Center luncheons and gatherings, and eats at the Senior Center 3 days per week ($4 Captured - Maintain per meal). Her son lives nearby and is able to take her to most medical appointments, but he service levels works full time and this is inconvenient. Reiterates that she would be “stuck at home” were it not for Paratransit.
Paratransit should be improved, especially on the Southern part of Whidbey Island—they Captured - Increase lack (adequate) service. “Take the politics out of it, and get back to basics.” Island and Skagit coverage of service, Transit need to partner with the “Metra.” He needs to get to King County’s VA hospital, but improved the Disabled American Veterans van goes the hard way up and around Whidbey Island and it connections/coordination takes too long and leaves too early in the morning. Feels Island Transit is especially useful , costs because it’s free, but they should install a “token box” if they can’t afford to keep the current services. “Charge money!”
“I’m very impressed with Paratransit. The drivers are very friendly, and I’ve been riding since Noted 2005. In all that time, I’ve only seen one driver act like he had a bad day.” Feels that increased public transportation leads to more jobs and higher employment. “There is a lack of coordination between transit agencies and ferry system—this leads to hostility.” His ferry was once late by 15 minutes, and he missed the last bus and was left at Captured - the ferry dock. Luckily he had a friend who could give him a ride from Clinton ferry to Oak Connections/coordination Harbor. Feels strongly that late ferries should coordinate with transit system so no one is left without a ride.
“Some people are trying to end the fee bus system altogether because they think it’s socialist that everyone pays and only some use it.” He and his wife would be happy to pay additional Noted taxes to keep it going. Tax cuts are damaging; “taxes run the country.” Island Transit needs sustainable funding plan—not “mismanagement.” Source Comment/Finding Unmet Need
The schedule of the buses doesn’t fit peoples’ needs. “Why does the bus run at 8:30am Captured - Increase span instead of 7:30am?” People could get to work; they could have two buses coming on and off of service Whidbey Island every morning. “Instead, we see hundreds of cars.” Out and About: Evening event are difficult for persons with disabilities who use public transportation because Captured - Increase span Persons With the bus schedule ends too early for night return. of service Disabilities Inter-county transit continues to be a challenge. One member mentioned the ORCAS card in the Pierce/Snohomish/King County area; this one card is rechargeable and universal Captured - throughout the counties. It would be nice if there was a similar system in Connection/coordination Skagit/Island/Whatcom counties
A WA state bill was passed a few years ago with the purpose of bringing together the various Captured - Special Needs groups in the state, along with the transit services so that everyone could “sit Connection/coordination at the same table.” Group is called Agency Council on Coordinated Transportation, or ACCT Would like to see more interaction between entities across the state so that once central Noted conversation about special needs transit can happen more efficiently. Group discussed various recreational activities they would like to do together; for every suggestion (art museum, island trip, festivals) there was a conversation on whether or not Captured - Increase span there was bus service/paratransit/Dial-A-Ride service to the area and when the bus/transit of service, coverage service returned. Group wondered if Skagit Transit could provide a van for them to travel from Burlington to a Captured - Increase span festival in Bellingham, as most are physically disabled and would require ADA accessible of service, coverage vehicle service. No evening service, which makes night event impossible since they can get dropped off but Captured - Increased span not picked up from events. of service It would be nice if more transportation systems work together. All of the Sound counties had Captured - the Orca Card which helps us go from one county to another. It would be great if Connection/coordination Skagit/Island added it On the same note it seems like using dial a ride/shuttle/Para transit are hard when you have to use two or more shuttles to go from county to county. It can take a whole day to get there. Captured - Not sure what to do other than have all the agencies have contestant communication to help Connection/coordination with this. On my wish list and I do realize these would take more money is: more bus routes since most in Skagit are only main roads and to shorten the 7 day reservation period just to get a dial a Captured - Scheduling of ride bus. One consumer told me they have to call in 7 days exactly no earlier or later to get a service ride.” Ride-Alongs Issues getting to and from the bus? Captured - Increase Quite a walk from my drop off to my apartment coverage Out of service area so relative has to meet at connection point and take home Issues accessing locations they need to go on the bus Out of the service area Stanwood Captured - Increase Would like to go to Samish Island coverage Doesn’t go to Sedro anymore so can’t visit family Couldn’t get schedule times Source Comment/Finding Unmet Need
What 2 things would you change about the paratransit service? Not a thing, better than Dart Nothing More service on the weekends more buses and longer hours. Bus rides take too long, sometimes. Would like the drivers to give me their names when they get on. I am blind and don’t always recognize their voices. I don’t like having to call each week to go to the same places. I call two times everyday. Calls twice a day – for times and to make appointment. Works 5 days a week. Captured - Increased span Would be good if they could wait if I just need to run in and pay a bill or mail a letter of service, scheduling of Nothing really “fits just right” service, weather Likes the service protection and seating, Better access to schedule real-time information, Would like bus shelter More buses. Quicker times Drivers would call when outside when it’s cold. Better access to schedules Couldn’t get appoint a few times when calling days in advance Don’t like it when times change. Waited outside for a long time once. Easier way to schedule appointments. Confusing. Hard to schedule – calling 7 days in advance. More space available on buses. Scheduling 7 days in advance is hard. Better scheduling system
What do you like best about paratransit service? Wonderful drivers, wonderful schedulers, everyone is helpful Drivers are fantastic. Never had a bad ride Can go fun places like to the movies and shopping The drivers The drivers. Very helpful. Very clean vehicles and consistent. Everything is in same place which is great because I cannot see. Noted The drivers are awesome Riding around and seeing scenery in comfort and safety. Drivers are helpful and considerate. Drivers are good and go the speed limit Convenience Getting out without having to rely on others for rides Freedom Gets me there
Anything else we should know about our service? No I don’t like when other passengers complain, on the bus, about the service More drivers on the weekends because I cannot to too early to church with kids. I love that rides don’t take too long. Love the schedulers. The whole program is awesome Captured - Span of service Likes the arm rests. Don’t like answering these questions. Drivers are nice Gets to have a job because of it. (mentioned a few times throughout surveys) Get to work
Samish Tribe There are a limited number of Samish members living in Anacortes, and their homes are Noted widely spread throughout the area. This creates challenges when planning transit routes. Tribal members would likely use transit for health care appointments (particularly for Noted appointments in Mt. Vernon). Captured - More There is not enough awareness of Paratransit among Samish community members. information Source Comment/Finding Unmet Need Many Tribal members require transit to attend cultural events, particularly during evening Captured - Increase span hours. of service The Elders program offers weekly art and cultural activities at the Samish Administration Noted building. The new Elders bus is used for transporting participants. Captured - Maintain fleet The Tribe needs additional drivers with CDL licenses. The lack of qualified drivers has and trained operators hindered the Tribe’s ability to provide transportation for Tribal members in the past. Tribal members are frustrated by traffic congestion due to light synchronization issues extending from Burlington to Anacortes. There are 8‐10 traffic lights – cars often must stop at Noted every light. This may impact transit times. Noted The “stacking lane” for cars waiting to board the ferry becomes backed‐up and blocks traffic. Tribal members recall that D Street was once served by a fixed bus route (years ago). It is Noted unclear why this service was discontinued. Tribally‐provided carpool / vanpool options are needed. One group of staff members Noted carpools regularly from Bellingham. Priuses might be a good option.
The Fidalgo Bay RV Park is not currently served by an existing bus stop. Although SKAT Route Noted 410 passes near Fidalgo Bay, the bus stays on Highway 20 and does not stop at the RV park. Noted Cultural events such as Camp Samish would benefit from the availability of transit. Expanded transit options are needed to the local islands (e.g. Guemes Island and Lopez Captured - Expand service Island). coverage
The Tribe should explore partnership opportunities with area transit providers. For example, Captured - consider an arrangement where the Tribe owns a vehicle, but leases it back to a transit Connections/coordination provider – they maintain the vehicle, but the Tribe can use it when needed. In addition to the new Elders bus, the Tribe owns a smart car (new), van (old), and Ford Noted Ranger (old). Additional transit options are needed connecting Anacortes to surrounding cities – direct, Captured - streamlined service options. The Bellingham‐to‐Anacortes commute via bus is 90 minutes Connections/coordination each way. The cost of transit is an obstacle for some HHS clients. Captured - Cost The Samish Tribe should have more meaningful input on area transit services. Transit extends within the Tribe’s ancestral land and natural resources. The Tribe should be a vested Captured - coordination partner in regional transit decisions. Samish members should copy legislators when sending comments related to transit needs. Clearer communication is needed regarding existing regional transit options. Transit providers increasingly use their websites as their primary communication tool. Some of the Captured - More groups with the greatest transit needs (e.g. elders, low‐income) may not have Internet information access. Skagit Transit employs a Travel Trainer – the Tribe may request that she attend a future Elders luncheon and give a presentation on Skagit Transit’s various options (e.g. fixed, Noted deviated‐fixed, pocket, paratransit, on‐demand/DAR, vanpool, etc.). Project Homeless The local (Skagit) transit used to be free, but they started charging. Some people don’t have a Connect dollar or even fifty cents to ride. Why can’t they add it (the fare) to property taxes? Do you Captured - Cost know how many people in Skagit own homes and pay property taxes? I use Paratransit, and I like it. I’m having heart issues, so I’ll need it even more in the future. I Captured - weather can’t stand for an hour waiting for the bus when I have heart issues. protection and seating I try calling the Mobile Food Express, which was turned over from Community Action to the Food Bank in Mount Vernon. Since then, nobody calls back! They need to notify the public if Noted the service has ended. I call for a meal, and they don’t show up until two days later—and then the meal is small. Captured - increase More service is needed in Skagit County. service The 300 to Sedro‐Woolley needs to run more often—every half hour instead of every hour. Captured - increase We appreciate free transit on Skagit Project Homeless Connect days! service Source Comment/Finding Unmet Need My wife is disabled and gets a free bus pass, and I get a monthly pass for $12.50. It’s how she gets around to her medical appointments. We’re happy with the service and the cost, and Noted the drivers are very friendly. (When asked if he uses public transportation) I live in my van, so it’s easier for me to get Captured - Cost around that way. But sometimes I don’t have gas money. Captured - increase I walk. The bus doesn’t go where I need to go, and it’s too far away. coverage I’ve got a car, and the (Skagit) bus is too expensive. Captured - Cost I would use it (the bus) more if it was cheaper. Captured - Cost I don’t trust the driver safety. I rode a bus and the driver ran a red light. Noted I use SKAT and County Commuter—I’m very happy with the service. Noted Captured - Increase The bus system is perfect! But they changed routes from March’s Point. That makes me sad. coverage I use Dial‐A‐Ride, but the wait times are a bit long, especially after a doctor’s appointment Captured - Scheduling of when you’re not feeling good. Waiting 1‐1 ½ hours is aggravating after my mental health service appointment. I drive—I don’t walk well, and it’s easier to drive. I have appointments in Island County and Captured - have to deal with County Commuter. Doesn’t Dial‐A‐Ride take me from the county line to my connection/coordination doctor in Anacortes? Why isn’t Island Transit here (at the event)? We need more stops further East on College Way—there are bus stops, but no bus comes! If Captured - increase a bus came further out on College Way, I would go to work on the bus every day. And they’re coverage, improve always late. reliability Expand the hours, especially on the weekends! It’s hard to keep a job. I have to come in to work too early, and then I need the bus until 9 or 10pm. Otherwise I have to take the Captured - Span of service Greyhound and that’s expensive. My only other choice is the train, and that’s too expensive. We need more cross‐county transit—life goes on beyond Skagit County! If you want good Captured - quality medical care, you have to go outside of Skagit County because the good doctors in Connection/coordination Skagit County aren’t taking any more patients. If I don’t have money for a cab after I go to Urgent Care, I end up having to stay in the Captured - Span of service Emergency Room overnight until the first bus runs in the morning. I’m scared of the bus. I have mental illness, and my provider is in Bellingham. I would have to Captured - Safety wait for hours. We need more Medicare providers.
All bus drivers should carry Narcan. My son was an addict, he was stranded, and what did he Captured - Safety do all night? He rode the bus. If someone overdoses on a bus they only have a few minutes. The drivers aren’t safe. Once on College Way, I was forced into oncoming traffic by a Skagit Transit bus that was merging into my lane. His blinker was on, but I was in the middle of the Captured - Safety bus with my car and I had nowhere to go. I know he saw me, and he knows I saw him. He merged anyway. The bus needs to run more often. We’re a 1‐car family. There are too few runs to Anacortes. I Captured - increase wish Skagit Transit was free like Island Transit. I lived near Concrete, and the bus runs were so service early and so late in the day that my husband couldn’t get a job for many months.
We need more service to Bellingham, especially on Sunday. I have kids in Bellingham, but I Captured - can’t see them as much as I want. Connection/coordination I’m a single mom and I have four kids—the bus doesn’t work for me. (Was also grateful that Noted Island Transit was free.) I use Skagit Transit. It meets all my needs. Noted We get ONE bus to Marblemount! Do you know why? It’s because they can’t make money on it. There used to be more service, but at the council meeting they took the daily bus away. Nobody on the council even uses the bus. Do you think any of us were there? No. Captured - Increase Marblemount lacks representation. The transit services should be run by Commissioners service only, because the Mayors will favor their city. Island Transit is free. Someone in Marblemount who wants to shop in Burlington only gets ½ hour before the bus leaves again. There is a “west” and “east” Skagit County, and the east has no representation. Source Comment/Finding Unmet Need Uses Dial‐A‐Ride; working on getting the “return time” down because it’s not always easy to Captured - Scheduling of identify the return time. service I use the SKAT bus but I want to use Dial-A-Ride and the questions about qualifying are too Captured - More confusing. My husband will go through cancer treatment soon so we’ll need to sign up for information Dial-A-Ride. My clients often don’t know how to ride the bus or they don’t understand the system. Why don’t we have T.V. commercials? Everyone watches T.V. The main reason clients miss their Captured - More appointments, including medical and opportunities to get free food and services, is lack of information transportation. I use the bus because it’s cheap. Noted I use the bus because sometimes I don’t have anyone to take me to where I need to go. I wish Captured - increase it passed by more often—every 30 minutes service I use the bus; the drivers drive well. We need more frequent routes; around 1 5 minutes Captured - increase apart. service I use the bus sometimes. Sometimes I don’t have a car and transportation is very important. Captured - increase The bus system needs more routes. The times that I’ve used the bus everything has gone coverage well. Senior Day in the Park The wording on the dot exercise is too sophisticated—I don’t understand it. Noted I don’t want to fill out this survey, “it’s too long”/”I can’t read small print.” Noted I appreciate Dial‐A‐Ride; it’s my primary means of getting around. Noted I’m grateful that Island Transit is fare‐free. Noted I live alone, clear up near Timber Lake at Hwy 20, a mile from the nearest service, have to get Captured - increase a friend to drive me to the bus stop. I wish there was more service off the scheduled route. coverage SKAT only comes to Marblemount once a week—I have no car and this is my only way to get Captured - increased around! service Often when I get on the bus, I’m the only one on it—why aren’t more people using the bus? Noted Sometimes I see three busses pass, one right after the other. That’s a waste of money. Can’t Noted they consolidate stops? I feel the bus schedule is designed for commuters, not retired people. Noted I ride the bus the equivalent of 2-3 thousand miles per year, between Whatcom and Skagit Noted Counties, it’s an excellent resource. My mother is 101 years old, and it’s too hard to get her ready for a scheduled service—she’s Captured - Scheduling of always late. So we drive her everywhere. service Retired pastor in La Conner commented that he wishes there was Sunday service to La Captured - Span of service Conner. Captured - Increase Samish River Park—transit stop is too far away. coverage There is a large group of seniors on Samish Island who need transit, but there is no longer Captured - increase service there! coverage I’m blind—is there a transportation service I can use, or do I have to have someone ride with Captured - More me every time? information I want to thank the railroad companies for keeping the trains on side tracks around noon, so we (seniors) can make it to the senior centers between 11am-1pm in Mount Vernon. This is Noted a sincere thank you! Voting (5+ Votes): Increase knowledge of options - 7 Improve cross regional coordination - 6 Increase service levels - 15 Captured Timeliness of service - 5 Maintain service - 5 Improve use of existing service - 6 Skagit County Buddy 28 pins were placed on the map – all but 7 of which were in the Mount Vernon and Captured - High need Walk Burlington areas areas Work/school was the most popular destination with 11, the other three (Shopping, Medical, Noted Other) were nearly equal Source Comment/Finding Unmet Need All of the Shopping and Medical pins were placed in the Mount Vernon and Burlington areas, Noted except one Four of the Other pins were placed outside of Mount Vernon and Burlington, near Sedro- Noted Woolley and by the Skagit Casino Two Work/school pins were placed near Anacortes. Noted Captured - Span of service We need “more service on the weekends, more buses and longer hours” – 8 agree For paratransit, ”I love the drivers. They are so helpful. I am so grateful” – 6 agree Noted What I like best about paratransit is “the convenience of being able to get to and from where Noted I need to” – 7 agree What I like best about paratransit is “being able to go to work” – 4 agree Noted Noted Not having paratransit would “impact meeting my medical and social needs” – 7 agree Noted “I have less anxiety about riding paratransit, then fixed route” – 1 agree, 1 disagree “Paratransit is a wonderful service. Thank you” – 4 agree Noted Persons with developmental disabilities “have to have some means of transportation, it has Noted to be reliable and consistent”‐ 9 agree Captured - Coordination, “Timely [transit] connections are important; someone could spend the entire day getting to Scheduling where they need to be” – 8 agree Captured - Span of service “Bus service ends too early” – 4 agree, 2 disagree Persons with developmental disabilities work hard to get jobs “and then they can’t get there” Captured - Span of due to transportation – 7 agree service, coverage
“Evening events are difficult for persons with disabilities who use public transportation Captured - span of service because the bus schedule ends too early for night return” – 5 agree, 1 disagree
“It would be nice if more transportation systems work together. All of the Sound counties Captured - coordination have the Orca Card which helps people go from one county to another” – 4 agree, 1 disagree “They do a great job at Skagit Transit” – 7 agree Noted Skagit Transit really does have great drivers! Noted My son uses paratransit to get from our home in Sedro‐Woolley to his job at McDonald’s in Captured - Access fixed Burlington. He takes the bus to Burlington Boulevard, but it is dangerous walking from the route bus stop along SR 20 to McDonald’s.
Medicaid transportation services can be difficult for families to use as they will only transport the patient and not the rest of the family. A family I know does not use Medicaid Noted transportation services and misses medical appointments because the family is headed by a single mother with three special needs children, and they cannot all ride the bus together. Cuts to transit service between Mount Vernon and Oak Harbor have made it much harder to get from Oak Harbor to medical appointments in Mount Vernon for one of my family Captured - Span of service members. She can’t go after school, because after her medical appointment, it would be too late for her to catch the bus back home. Captured - More I’m 80 and drive myself. In 10 years I may not be able to drive anymore. At that point, I may information have to use transit, but it is confusing to me now (how to pay, where routes go, etc.). We need more transit service on 30th and Martin streets in Mount Vernon. Noted Captured - Span of service It would be great to have an early bus run to La Conner where I teach. Thank you! Stanwood-Camano Community Center The public transit overlap between Skagit, Island, and Snohomish counties is significant. Focus Group Many of Shirley’s Developmentally Disabled (DD) clients take the bus to the doctors, to social security office, Coupeville (Island County seat), and shopping. Camano/Stanwood is a difficult Captured - area to place DD persons in jobs; there’s a large pool of workers but limited jobs. People are connection/coordination forced to go north or south to find jobs. The bus that runs from Camano Island to Oak Harbor is often pretty full. The Park & Ride at I-5 is always packed; Camano Transit needs to go to that Park & Ride. Source Comment/Finding Unmet Need Washington Vocational Services works hard to get DD people jobs, and then they can’t get Captured - span of there. service, coverage Island Transit is a huge part of our lives (in Stanwood/Camano). It gives an opportunity for Noted people to get out of the area and into other regions. So many individuals need the transit system for dialysis. Noted People will often continue to drive, even without their driver’s license or car insurance because they have to get to medical appointments. They might be racking up $5,000, $8,000 Noted in fines, but they have no other options. When Shirley is getting jobs for DD clients, they have to have some means of transportation—it has to be reliable and consistent. Some days we’re beating our heads Noted against the wall. Transportation is key—it has to be the #1 priority. We are constantly looking for solutions. The Stillaguamish Tribe provides some transportation service on Camano Island—it’s free for Noted anybody. Both senior centers (Camano and Stanwood) are major hubs for our community. Noted One participant has a disabled and her life revolves around him. She gets him to work, to his volunteer job—and everywhere he needs to go. The DD community is seeking independence, Noted but transportation is key. Transporting disabled family members around is extremely time- consuming for family members/care givers.
One participant is blind and lives on Camano Island, uses Paratransit for many things including a volunteer position with the local elementary school. He’s working on developing a Captured - span of service self-employed business as a motivational speaker, but he will need transportation to reach speaking engagements and the bus service ends too early. One participant is a physically and developmentally disabled senior. He uses Paratransit to reach art classes and social events at the Camano Center as well as his doctor’s Noted appointments. Paratransit is fantastic; the Island County dispatches on Camano Island are amazing human Noted beings. They go above and beyond to give exemplary service. Island Transit “cuts off” the southern tip of Camano Island. Do those people need services? They might need a survey of that area. The cheaper homes are on the south end, and there’s Captured - coverage also an elementary school there. The hub at Terry’s Corner is very efficient and located near the new library. Noted Many seniors are using the bus to get to events and luncheons. Noted
Timely connections are important; someone could spend an entire day getting where they Captured - need to be. It’s especially difficult for medical appointments. People have ended up at the connection/coordination hospital on an emergency room trip, stuck with no way to get home. Staff/supervisors of regional service organizations sometimes take it upon themselves to provide transportation with their personal vehicle or deviate from scheduled routes when Noted seniors are in emergency situations and stranded. Examples included staff at the table and Paratransit on Camano. The Island Transit constituents on Camano are incredible people—we need more service and Noted more connections. Island Transit is becoming a political football. The local paper is one‐sided. They don’t take Noted the bus or live in the community, so they should just “butt out.” Survey Response I use special needs transportation because: 52% - I don't have a car 42% - I'm a senior and I don't drive Noted 40% - I'm disabled 9% - I'm homeless 6% - I'm too ill to drive How do you get around: 73% Transit 47% Family, friends or volunteers Noted 38% Non-motorized 30% my vehicle Source Comment/Finding Unmet Need I need transportation to: 75% - Errands 68% - Medical appointments Noted 41% - Social Events 37% - Friends and family I need to go to: 54% Mount Vernon Noted 36% Oak Harbor 27% Burlington Current service is meeting ______of my transportation needs: Less than some 14% Noted Some 46% More than some 40% Existing service doesn't meet my needs because: Doesn't go where I need to go 23% Captured - Coverage Doesn't go where I live 20% Lack of Transportation impacts my ability to: Participate in community and social events 46% Meet medical and health needs 46% Noted Accomplish daily tasks 45% Get employment 31% Participate in recreational activates 27% Common O-D Data Group homes are a major destination Noted Medical transportation makes up a very large percentage of paratransit service, particularly Noted dialysis centers. Fitness and job employment centers for people with disabilities are also a high demand Noted destination. Demographic Profile Noted In total numbers Skagit county has a larger special needs population and total population Skagit county has nearly twice as many people in poverty as Island County Noted Island county has a slightly higher percentage of seniors, although Skagit county has a larger Noted total number Compared to other counties within Washington State, neither counties stand out with Noted regards to special needs populations. Needs Analysis Multiple areas in Anacortes and parts of Oak harbor are within the top 25% of proportional Captured - High need and density need areas Captured - High need Communities of South Whidbey Island and East-South Camano Island in additional to East areas Skagit County, the Swinomish Indian Reservation and Guemes Island Parts of Anacortes and Oak Harbor, Mount Vernon and Burlington are also identified as areas Captured - High need with a high density of need areas Survey - Open Ended Noted Non-fossil fuel buses are the future easy to understand, nice job! Noted I need service in Island, Skagit and Snohomish Counties. My family transports me, but I would Noted like to be more independent. It's not fair to my family. I use Skagit Transit. I get to my doctor appointments and have the $12.50 disability bus pass. I need the bus to run later on Saturdays and Sundays; if I work late, there's no bus and I'm Captured - Span of Service stuck. I use the bus to get to work. We need more routes and more often--I work past 5pm on Captured - Span of Sundays and can't get a bus home. service, service levels Captured - Span of service Many times classes I take are not covered with busses at night or early in the morning. (I will take the bus) if car breaks down or gas goes up to $4.50 a gallon. I go to the soup kitchen in Langley on Tuesday. I was dishes. I used to take the bus from Freeland to Langley Noted on Tuesdays. Please keep the service as-is. We are willing to donate per ride. Noted I can still drive, but due to limited income I use Paratransit for doctor appointments in Noted Freeland and Coupeville. Source Comment/Finding Unmet Need
I deliver the mail to Coupeville on Monday and to Langley Tuesday through Saturday using a Noted company truck. But for getting around while I am here for ten hours, I use the bus. Captured - Connection/coordination Car and gas are too expensive. The process of Oak Harbor to Langley is taking two busses. I do like my bus service and my drivers, They all call me by name. Noted
It is so sad that 24 people lost their jobs because of poor management! I am a caregiver and am answering for many seniors. I also think that some would be willing to pay as I have asked Noted around. Also we didn't need such extravagant bus garage and we need to check all books weekly as we do our own checkbooks. All are to blame--top officials. Wonderful service. I hope you can recoup your lost money. Noted I depend on transit when my car is down. Noted I use Paratransit and it works for me. Noted I feel the #8 and the #5 could be made into one run. People could plan around that. With no #5, several people will not be able to get to town. Wishing you all the best. Get the routes Noted back and the drivers back to work. Captured - Span of service We have four disabled adults who need Saturday transportation. Thank you Mr. Hamilton and Staff. Thank you for considering this survey at this most critical time at Island Transit Bus Co. I do not have Paratransit because I am close to Town of Langley Noted and #7 bus. Captured - Maintain Loss of Paratransit service will impact my ability to meet my medical and social needs. service levels Island Paratransit is extremely important to my brother, who needs to get to the Senior Center 5 days a week. I would have used Paratransit for my daughter (39 years old) who has Captured - Maintain Multiple Sclerosis, but the service is being cut. Paratransit cuts will impact my brother, service levels daughter, and husband who is starting cancer treatment & I will not be able to meet all the needs without Paratransit. Current transportation options are great. Noted I understand that it is necessary for Island Transit to cut out runs in order to stay open. When there are better circumstances it would be very much appreciated to have Saturday service Captured - span of service back. Paratransit is a wonderful service. Thank you. Noted Noted Very much appreciate the rides. The drivers are friendly and helpful when I need it. All of your drivers are wonderful. Noted I go 4 times each week to Island Athletic Club for my health, especially since knee surgery, but I am trying to cut my car driving way down especially at night and when weather gets Noted cold, wet, rainy, snowy, icy--then I won't go out at all. I am 78--want to live to be 100 and the busses and exercise can sure help! Captured - More I don't know if I qualify for Paratransit but it would be nice. I'm 76 years old. information Go get some $ to run better busses. Noted Currently use Paratransit and Island County bus service. Noted I have ridden the bus most of my life. I feel that if Sunday and Saturday were more available, it could help my ability to maintain employment opportunities and student success Captured - Span of Service availability on a vast island. I really appreciate the services provided. I hope it continues. Thanks. Noted Captured - Maintain All the new changes that have time lapses in between running times in the afternoon is a service levels disappointment as making any rider wait so long to catch a bus/public transportation. Captured - Span of service The buses do not run early enough for me to get to school. I hope transportation to Seattle can be brought about. Noted I've only been in Oak Harbor since December, but I really appreciate the free service and Noted courtesy of the drivers. I am very thankful for transit. Noted Source Comment/Finding Unmet Need Captured - Span of service Need busses in Oak Harbor. Route 10 and 2 later hours and on both Saturday and Sunday.
Would very much like to clear up this "blue" card that I was issued some time ago. "Blue Noted Card"--"ODOR on the bus was UNBEARABLE." Have since showered and done laundry. Drivers who aren't respectful don't seem to last long. Most drivers are very courteous; they're like family. If I'm going off the (Whidbey) Island, I have to hunt for a ride. I'm taking Noted beginning computer classes for seniors at the Oak Harbor Senior Center, which is possible thanks to Paratransit. You guys messed the bus system up horribly. Noted Please keep the bus going, not only me but no other ones could get out. Don't like to see the bus drivers without jobs. All the bus drivers are very nice and helpful for everyone. And I'm Captured - Maintain glad we got them, otherwise I can't get out or anyone else. Please keep in mind we all need service levels to get around. Lots of people feel like me. When we all get together for a nice lunch, we all enjoy (it).
The transit system is a valuable asset to seniors and the handicapped. It should never be cut Noted even though the buses are very seldom full. I am disabled but I still drive most of the time, then I use the bus. Bus service is essential to any community. --Mike Rossner. Overall service is good. Drivers kind and polite. A little sketchy at Skagit Station. Lot's of Captured - homeless. Security/Safety Noted To date, I have only used the 410 and 49 routes. I'm a new resident. So far, so good. I do appreciate the service as it exists. My family has helped greatly with my needs; but I DO LIKE the bus as transportation. I grew up with it; I have lived in cities which have public Noted transportation. thanks for your service and picking it up when Island transit had to cut back. Noted Captured - system I really appreciate Skagit Transit - it's a lifeline. I just wish we had better service from Sedro- coverage Woolley to/from the county connectors and gave input in the Skagit Transit 6-year plan.
Dial-A-Ride has truly been a blessing for me! I cannot express enough how much I appreciate Dial-A-Ride. From the "top brass" down to the wonderful drivers, maintenance people, the Noted office workers, who are always very courteous and helpful! Dial-A-Ride is beyond description. Outstanding. There is positively not the words to say how appreciative I am of this service. Many, many, many thanks for making this service possible for me and others! I use Dial-A-Ride. Noted I live in the Day Creek area of Sedro-Woolley, and there is no service. I would use public Captured - system transit if it were available. coverage Dial-A-Ride is friendly and very easy to set up appointments. Noted It's great to have public service. Noted Samish Island needs better service. Please bring a bus back to Samish Island! Thanks. Captured - system (respondent added that there are additional seniors on Samish Island who have no transit coverage options other than family or friends) Appendix D - Survey Questionnaire and Responses Would you like to take the survey online? http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/hstpsurvey
Island and Skagit County Special Needs Transportation Services Survey
Your opinion is important to determine the transportation needs in your community. Please complete one survey only. You may complete as much of the survey as you like.
I need transportation services because: (Select all that apply) I am an elder or senior citizen, and I don’t drive I don’t have a car I am disabled I don’t have a driver’s license I am homeless I don’t have auto insurance I am too ill to drive Other:
I currently use the following means of transportation: (Select all that apply) Public transit Regional transportation (Amtrak, Greyhound, Ferry) My vehicle Medical transportation Taxi service Other: Family, friends or volunteers Non-motorized (walk, bicycle, wheelchair)
How do you arrive at the pick-up locations for these options: (Select all that apply) Walk Family, friend Assistive device (walker, Other or volunteer wheelchair, etc.
I need transportation to: (Select your top 3 choices) Errands (banking, grocery shopping) School/Training Childcare Family and Friends Social Events Elder/Senior Services Court Appointments Recreational Facilities Medical Appointments Other: Work/Job Training
I need to go to: (Select your top 3 most frequent destinations) Skagit County Island County Regional Anacortes Bayview Bellevue Bayview Ridge Coupeville Bellingham Burlington Freeland Eastern Washington Concrete Langley Everett Greenbank Oak Harbor King County Hamilton Camano Island Marysville La Conner Clinton Port Townsend Lyman Whidbey Island Seattle Mount Vernon Other: Stanwood Sedro-Woolley Whatcom County Swinomish Other: Other:
What is your 5-digit zip code? Zip Code: ______
Additional questions on reverse side I need transportation on the following days of the week: (Select all that apply) Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
I need transportation at the following times: (Select all that apply) Morning Afternoon Evening Night
On a scale of 1 to 5 (low to high) rank your knowledge of the transportation options currently available to you? 1 (No 2 3 (Some 4 5 (Very knowledge) knowledge) familiar)
On a scale of 1 to 5 (low to high) rank how current transportation options are meeting your needs? 1 (None) 2 3 (Some) 4 5 (All)
Why don’t the existing transportation options meet your needs? (Select all that apply) Takes too long Doesn’t operate Doesn’t go where Doesn’t come to when I need it I need to go where I live I don’t know how I don’t feel I can’t afford it It’s too to sign up or get safe/comfortable complicated information
Please explain other reasons: ______
Does lack of transportation impact your ability to: (Select all that apply) Meet medical and health Access community and social Participate in social and needs services to improve your community events quality of life Employment/business Accomplish daily activities Participate in recreational opportunities (errands, shopping, etc.) activities (sporting events, outdoors)
Would you like to learn how to ride? Paratransit service Transition from paratransit to Regular bus service regular bus service If you would like to be contacted for training please provide your contact information below: Name: ______Phone Number: ______
Thank you for completing this survey. Please feel free to comment on the survey in the space below. If you have any questions please contact Mark Hamilton at (360) 416-7876 or [email protected]
Comments: ______Island and Skagit County Special Needs Transportation Services Survey
I need transportation because: (Choose all that apply)
Response Response Answer Options Percent Count I am an elder or senior citizen, and I don't drive 42.5% 54 I am disabled 40.9% 52 I am homeless 9.4% 12 I am too ill to drive 6.3% 8 I don't have a car 52.0% 66 I don't have a driver's license 33.1% 42 I don't have auto insurance 22.8% 29 Other: (please specify) 18.1% 23 answered question 127 skipped question 16
I currently use the following means of transportation: (Select all that apply) Response Response Answer Options Percent Count Public Transit 73.5% 100 My Vehicle 30.1% 41 Taxi Service 8.1% 11 Family, Friends or Volunteers 47.1% 64 Non-motorized (walk, bicycle, wheelchair) 38.2% 52 Regional Transportation (Amtrak, Greyhound, Ferry) 14.7% 20 Medical Transportation 14.0% 19 Please describe how you arrive at the pick-up locations for these options: 64 answered question 136 skipped question 7 I need transportation to: (Select your top 3 choices) Response Response Answer Options Percent Count Errands (banking, grocery shopping) 75.0% 99 Childcare 4.5% 6 Social Events 40.9% 54 Court Appointments 12.9% 17 Medical Appointments 68.9% 91 Work/Job Training 33.3% 44 School/Training 16.7% 22 Family and Friends 37.1% 49 Elder/Senior Services 25.0% 33 Recreational Facilities 25.8% 34 Other: (please specify) 8.3% 11 answered question 132 skipped question 11 I need to go to: (Select your top 3 most frequent destinations Response Response Answer Options Percent Count Anacortes 22.7% 30 Bayview Ridge 0.0% 0 Burlington 27.3% 36 Concrete 3.8% 5 Greenbank 4.5% 6 Hamilton 0.0% 0 La Conner 11.4% 15 Lyman 0.0% 0 Mount Vernon 54.5% 72 Sedro-Woolley 9.1% 12 Swinomish 3.0% 4 Bayview 16.7% 22 Coupeville 24.2% 32 Freeland 23.5% 31 Langley 19.7% 26 Oak Harbor 36.4% 48 Camano Island 9.8% 13 Clinton 17.4% 23 Whidbey Island 9.8% 13 Bellevue 2.3% 3 Bellingham 17.4% 23 Eastern Washington 2.3% 3 Everett 16.7% 22 King County 7.6% 10 Marysville 6.1% 8 Port Townsend 3.0% 4 Seattle 16.7% 22 Stanwood 11.4% 15 Whatcom County 1.5% 2 Other 2.3% 3 If other, please specify: 3 answered question 132 skipped question 11 I need transportation on the following days of the week: (Select all that apply) Response Response Answer Options Percent Count Sunday 42.7% 53 Monday 90.3% 112 Tuesday 87.1% 108 Wednesday 87.9% 109 Thursday 84.7% 105 Friday 88.7% 110 Saturday 58.9% 73 answered question 124 skipped question 19
I need transportation at the following times: (Select all that apply) Response Response Answer Options Percent Count Morning 90.8% 109 Afternoon 86.7% 104 Evening 67.5% 81 Night 30.0% 36 answered question 120 skipped question 23
On a scale of 1 to 5 (low to high), rank your knowledge of the transportation options currently available to you: 3 (Some 1 (No 5 (Very Rating Response Answer Options 2 knowledg 4 knowledge) familiar) Average Count e) 5 6 47 24 45 3.77 127 answered question 127 skipped question 16 Island and Skagit County Special Needs Transportation Services Survey On a scale of 1 to 5 (low to high), rank how current transportation options are meeting your needs: Rating Response Answer Options 1 (None) 2 3 (Some) 4 5 (All) Average Count 9 9 56 29 20 3.34 123 answered question 123 skipped question 20
Why don't the existing transportaiton options meet your needs? (Select all that apply) Response Response Answer Options Percent Count Takes too long 26.8% 26 Doesn't operate when I need it 52.6% 51 Doesn't go where I need to go 34.0% 33 Doesn't come to where I live 29.9% 29 I don't know how to sign up or get information 13.4% 13 I don't feel safe/comfortable 8.2% 8 I can't afford it 10.3% 10 It's too complicated 10.3% 10 Please explain other reasons: 24.7% 24 answered question 97 skipped question 46
Does lack of transportation impact your ability to: (Select all that apply) Response Response Answer Options Percent Count Meet medical and health needs 62.3% 66 Get employment/business opportunities 41.5% 44 Access community and social services to improve your 67.0% 71 Accomplish daily activities (errands, shopping, etc.) 60.4% 64 Participate in social and community events 62.3% 66 Participate in recreational activities (sporting events, 35.8% 38 answered question 106 skipped question 37 Would you like to learn how to ride? Response Response Answer Options Percent Count Paratransit service 37.2% 16 Transition from paratransit to regular bus service 30.2% 13 Regular bus service 72.1% 31 If you would like to be contacted for training, please provide your name 18 answered question 43 skipped question 100 Appendix E - Demographic Maps Source: 2010 Decennial Census ±
HAMILTON CONCRETE LYMAN HAMILTON ANACORTES SEDRO-WOOLLEY
BURLINGTON
MOUNT VERNON
LACONNER MOUNT VERNON
Legend Percent 65 and Over Under 5%
5.1% - 15.0%
15.1% - 25.0%
Over 25%
Skagit County City Limits
Regional Roads
Skagit County - Census Tracts by Percent 65 and Over Human Services Transportation Plan Update Source: 2012 American Community Survey 5-year Estimates 2008-2012 ±
HAMILTON CONCRETE LYMAN HAMILTON ANACORTES SEDRO-WOOLLEY
BURLINGTON
MOUNT VERNON
LACONNER MOUNT VERNON
Legend Percent with a Disability Under 5%
5.1% - 15.0%
15.1% - 25.0%
Over 25%
Skagit County City Limits
Regional Roads
Skagit County - Census Tracts by Percent with Disability Human Services Transportation Plan Update Source: 2012 American Community Survey 5-year Estimates 2008-2012 ±
HAMILTON CONCRETE LYMAN HAMILTON ANACORTES SEDRO-WOOLLEY
BURLINGTON
MOUNT VERNON
LACONNER MOUNT VERNON
Legend Percent with No Vehicle Available Under 5%
5.1% - 15.0%
15.1% - 25.0%
Over 25%
Skagit County City Limits
Regional Roads
Skagit County - Census Tracts by Percent with No Vehicles Human Services Transportation Plan Update Source: 2012 American Community Survey 5-year Estimates 2008-2012 ±
HAMILTON CONCRETE LYMAN HAMILTON ANACORTES SEDRO-WOOLLEY
BURLINGTON
MOUNT VERNON
LACONNER MOUNT VERNON
Legend Below 150% of Poverty Level Under 5%
5.1% - 15.0%
15.1% - 25.0%
Over 25%
Skagit County City Limits
Regional Roads
Skagit County - Census Tracts by Percent below 150% of Poverty Level Human Services Transportation Plan Update Source: 2010 Decennial Census ±
Oak Harbor
Coupeville
Langley
Legend Percent Age 65 and Over Under 5.0%
5.1% - 15.0%
15.1% - 25.0%
Over 25%
Regional Roads
Island County City Limits
Island County - Census Tracts by Percent 65 and Over
Human Services Transportation Plan Update Source: 2012 American Community Survey 5-year Estimates 2008-2012 ±
Oak Harbor
Coupeville
Langley
Legend Percent with Disability Under 5.0%
5.1% - 15.0%
15.1% - 25.0%
Over 25%
Regional Roads
Island County City Limits
Island County - Census Tracts by Percent with Disability
Human Services Transportation Plan Update Source: 2012 American Community Survey 5-year Estimates 2008-2012 ±
Oak Harbor
Coupeville
Langley
Legend Percent without Vehicle Under 5%
5.1% - 15.0%
15.1% - 25.0%
Over 25%
Regional Roads
Island County City Limits
Island County - Census Tracts by Percent with No Vehicle Available
Human Services Transportation Plan Update Source: 2012 American Community Survey 5-year Estimates 2008-2012 ±
Oak Harbor
Coupeville
Langley
Legend Percent Below Poverty Level Under 5.0%
5.1% - 15.0%
15.1% - 25.0%
Over 25%
Regional Roads
Island County City Limits
Island County - Census Tracts by Percent below 150% of Poverty Level
Human Services Transportation Plan Update Appendix F - Prioritized Human Services Transportation Projects